The increase in playing time and new role as a starting player have boosted the confidence of Adelaide center Kai Sotto and he responded well by delivering quality numbers and proving himself worthy of his improved status.
The key to his mild success, according to the Filipino 7’3” giant, is always being ready when an opportunity is given to him on the court.
“I’m always staying ready for all the opportunities my coaches give me,” Sotto said in an Adelaide team’s article on its website.
Sotto has been in the team’s starting line-up for five games now, boosting his morale and his game.
“Every practice and every game I get to have, I show my teammates can rely on me,” Sotto said. “So, I’m always staying ready.”
As a starter, Sotto played quality minutes to help his team to a four-game win streak before losing to New Zealand Breakers over the weekend. In that game, Sotto had 16 points and five rebounds.
Blessed with a long wingspan and an enviable height not common to Filipino cage athletes, Sotto was defensive presence under the hoop and a throwdown dunker in the offense for the 36ers, especially when Ian Clarke is handling the guard chores.
Sotto has always been a willing beneficiary of Clarke’s alley-oop passes.
“That’s my primary role on this team with my size, it’s the first thing I think of when I step on the court is to have that impact defensively and everything else will follow,” Sotto said.
Even non-Filipino fans believe that coach CJ Bruton put more focus on plays involving Sotto.
“Also for the Pinoys, I thought Kai had a really good game today. Got the crowd out of our seats on those couple of dunks and the block. Want to see him bring that most games and it can help 36ers go all the way,” said Chris Woodrow in a social media comment.
“I’ve been saying the 36ers need to get pick and roll alley oops going for Kai! I want to see more of this. I don’t care if he’s not as strong, he’ll just dunk over them,” said Brothers Bob.
The 36ers, who will wear the team’s 1998 championship jersey, will play against Tasmania JackJumpers next Thursday night.