Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton expects Kai Sotto to be back in full form once the team can resume its campaign in Australia’s National Basketball League.
The 36ers have seen several of their matches postponed due to COVID-19, which in a way has allowed Sotto to continue his recovery from knee soreness that limited the 7-foot-3 center to just one appearance in the current season.
Bruton believes Sotto will be able to make significant contributions once he suits up anew for Adelaide.
“The seven days off our feet I think hurt a lot of our players when we were behind closed doors,” Bruton said in the team’s official podcast Sixers Fix.
“But he's definitely come back and as he has all off-season and since I've been here, he has shown his ability to impact the game not only on the defensive end but also the offensive end.
“By being so big, he has the ability by being so big he can dominant around the rim in that role. I see it no differently coming into our next game as well,” Bruton added.
Sotto made his debut last Dec. 18, playing almost 10 minutes in the 36ers’ 93-67 road loss to the Cairns Taipans.
He finished with one point, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks during his short appearance.
The 36ers, who carry a 2-3 record, are hoping to get back into action on Jan. 18 against the league-leading Perth Wildcats.