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Lakers assistant coach sees bright future for Kai Sotto

Sports | Basketball

Lakers assistant coach sees bright future for Kai Sotto

By Manila Bulletin Sports

By MARK REY MONTEJO

Filipino big man Kai Sotto could be ripe for the NBA soon if he keeps himself sharp and ready when the opportunity arises according to Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy. *

* *Kai Sotto. (FIBA photo)*

Handy, the player development coach of the LeBron James and Anthony Davis-led Lakers, said that the 7-foot-3 center has the potential to turn heads and impress scouts in the big league. “I believe he’s very talented. I don’t believe in putting timelines on athletes. I’ve had a chance to see him play for a couple of years. He’s naturally gifted. He spent some time down in Australia, and that really helped develop his game,” said Handy. Handy formerly played as an import in Australia's National Basketball League, where Sotto did take part as a foreign player with the Adelaide 36ers. The three-time NBA champion coach urged the 21-year-old cager to continue improving his skill and not let disappointments get in the way. “It could be this summer, it could be next year. It really just depends on the opportunity.” he added. “Sometimes, players’ opportunities come at different times. The advice I would give Kai is to keep working, keep playing, and keep being ready for the opportunity.”

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