Months after getting snubbed in the 2022 NBA draft, Filipino sensation Kai Sotto will have the chance to play in an NBA-level environment as Adelaide flies to the US to play a series of tune-up games against the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the team’s preparations for the 2022-23 NBL Season.
Talking to news program 10 News First Adelaide, Sotto said he is excited to finally get an opportunity to see how he fares against an NBA-caliber team and in front of the fans.
Sotto admitted that he has been losing sleep since falling short of his NBA dream although the experience is now becoming his motivation especially heading to his second season with the 36ers in the Australia NBL.
“I can't sleep at night without remembering the fact that I didn’t get drafted. That's why I’m here today in the NBL. That’s what keeps me going. It gave me a better sense of direction. Now I know what to do," he said.
Sotto will get a chance to face the likes of Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton when the 36ers test their mettle against the Suns on Monday, Oct. 3, before facing the Thunder led by former 36ers guard Josh Giddey on Friday, Oct. 7.
“It's a dream come true to play in an NBA environment, NBA teams, NBA court, NBA fans. I’m pretty excited,” said Sotto.
The 7-foot-3 center has been providing solid contributions for Adelaide in its pre-season showing that saw them top the NBA Blitz with a perfect 3-0 record. Sotto, for one, got praised by head coach
"I thought Kai was really amazing, how he bounced back. He got on the rim and finished and became a target for us," Burton said of Sotto who sparked a huge fourth quarter run for Adelaide in its 84-77 come-from-behind win over Illawarra that capped off the perfect pre-season run.
“His level of activity helped shift the needle for us to know we can play with length and size," said Bruton as Sotto scored all of his six points in the final frame along with a rebound and a steal in just 10 minutes of play.