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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kai Sotto not yet in 'Kaiju' level

Kai Sotto not yet in 'Kaiju' level

Published Mar 17, 2023 06:13 am
Hiroshima center Kai Sotto admitted that he has yet to live up to the nickname given to him as far as his game is concerned. *Kai Sotto made a good account of himself during his home debut for Hiroshima Dragonflies (B.League Photo)*

Sotto, who was called "Kaiju" -- a Japanese term that translates to giant monster – ever since he embarked on his journey towards the NBA, believes he hasn’t reached his potential yet but is actually getting there. “I think I played well. Maybe not Kaiju level yet, but I'll slowly get there. I said it was a good team win. Everybody contributed, and I'm just happy we got this win for the fans and for the home crowd,” said Sotto after winning his first home game with the Dragonflies following a 102-95 victory over fellow Filipino import Matthew Wright and his Kyoto Hannaryz. Sotto did show flashes of his potential, posting 20 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting along with eight rebounds, a steal and a block. It was Sotto’s most productive game in his overseas stints after spending two seasons in the Australia NBL where he didn’t get much playing time. “I think with my size and length, I would always want to make my presence felt inside. Offensively and defensively,” said the 7-foot-3 beanpole. “We have so many weapons on offense. A lot of attention is to them. So I just find my way to help them, free them up if they're not free, and then I'm open. So it's just one of those games where they focus on the other guys and I'm just lucky to be there on the opportunities that I got. We just shared the ball really well. It was a good team win,” he added.

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