FILIPINO 7’2” center Kai Sotto is no longer just a dominant presence in the paint, but is becoming a legitimate threat from beyond the arc, adding a new dimension to his game.
Sotto’s vastly improved shooting accuracy has been attributed to an innovative training approach by his renowned Filipino strength and conditioning coach Mel Lantin to “resistance exercises” designed to enhance shooting mechanics and accuracy.
In a recent social media post, Lantin referenced a research paper by Dr. Dimitre Cabarkapa, which detailed the impact of resistance training on a basketball player like Sotto.
According to Lantin, these exercises yielded significant results.
“Why am I not surprised? Even Kai has increased his 3-point field goal accuracy from 20% to over 50% with weight training as an intervention,” Lantin said.
These specialized exercises seem to have complemented Sotto’s shooting prowess. Lantin emphasized that lifting weights doesn’t hinder shooting ability. Instead, it enhances the fine motor functions required for precision.
Sotto’s numbers in the 2024 season speak volumes.
In 24 games with the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B. League, he has knocked down 11 of 21 three-pointers, boasting a stellar 52.38% accuracy rate.
Alongside his shooting, Sotto has averaged a double-double with 14.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, ranking him fourth among the league’s best three-point shooters.
As he enters 2025, Sotto remains steadfast in his NBA dreams.
Meanwhile, he has reaffirmed his commitment to represent Gilas Pilipinas while making waves in the B. League.
