FILIPINO NBA hopeful Kai Sotto is still hopeful that his name will finally be called by Orlando’s Summer League coach Dylan Murphy when the Magic take on the New York Knicks on Thursday ( 8 a.m. Manila time).
But even if he doesn’t play, the young Sotto has vowed to maintain his positive outlook and mature mind — which are signs of a true professional.
“I’m a professional. I just focus on things I can control. Obviously, I can control myself, and my emotions. Just gotta stay ready,” Sotto told Filipino reporter Homer Sayson in an article at SPIN.
“As a professional, you don’t get the chance to play in every game. Just gotta stay healthy, keep the positive mindset, that positive attitude and we’ll all be good,” he added.
After not suiting up in the Magic’s first two Summer League games at the Thomas and Mack Center, Sotto has remained upbeat that he finally gets the chance to show his skills.
The Magic have two remaining Summer League games.
But after several practice sessions with the Magic, it looks like Sotto doesn’t need the exposure anymore as it appears the coaching staff already has a plan for the 7’3” Filipino center.
Either he’s in or out.
Sotto’s ability has already been proven with his stints in several professional leagues in Australia, Japan, and the FIBA World Cup qualifying games.
And never forget, too, that Sotto has already tasted how it feels to compete against legitimate NBA players when his Australian team, Adelaide 36ers beat the Phoenix Suns, 134-124, in an NBA pre-season game in October last year.
In that game, Sotto carried himself well by scoring 11 points, including a pair of slams, hauled two rebounds, dished out one assist and stole the ball twice in only 18 minutes of play.
In his first NBA exposure, Sotto even fared better than what NBA’s top pick Victor Wembanyama did in his first NBA summer league debut as the French player struggled with a 2-for-13 shooting for 11 points that went with eight rebounds, five blocks, and three assists, while tying for the team’s lead in turnovers (3) in 27 minutes of action.
Against the Suns, Sotto went 3-for-6 from the field, including one 3-pointer, had two rebounds, one assist, two steals, and a pair of dunks. He went perfectly (4-for-4 from) the line.
Any well-meaning coach worth his salt knows that a young Sotto can be a good investment. He can shoot, pass, and a height that just can’t be ignored.
