Here is an article about Kai Sotto and his NBA draft prospects:
Kai Sotto is a 7-foot-3 center from the Philippines who has been pursuing his NBA dream since he was a teenager. He is one of the most intriguing international prospects in the 2022 NBA draft class, as he possesses a rare combination of size, skill and mobility.
Sotto started his basketball career in his home country, where he dominated the high school scene and won a UAAP juniors MVP award in 2019. He then moved to the United States to join a prep program in Atlanta, Georgia, where he improved his game and gained exposure.
In 2020, he became the first international player to sign with the NBA G League Ignite, a developmental team that features some of the top prospects in the country. However, he never got to play for the Ignite, as he opted to join the Philippine national team for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. He later returned to the Ignite, but was unable to suit up due to health and safety protocols.
Sotto then decided to continue his professional career in Australia, where he joined the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League (NBL). He made his debut in October 2021 and has been averaging 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 15.8 minutes per game as of January 2022.
Sotto’s strengths include his length, agility, shooting touch and passing ability. He can run the floor well for his size, finish around the rim with either hand, and stretch the defense with his mid-range and three-point shot. He is also a capable playmaker who can find open teammates with his vision and passing skills. He is an effective rim protector who can alter or block shots with his wingspan.
Sotto’s weaknesses include his lack of strength, explosiveness and consistency. He needs to add more muscle and weight to his frame to compete with bigger and stronger players in the NBA. He also lacks elite athleticism and quickness, which limits his finishing ability and lateral movement. He sometimes struggles with his shot selection, decision making and defensive awareness. He needs to improve his free throw shooting, ball handling and post moves.
Sotto is projected to be a second-round pick or an undrafted free agent in the 2022 NBA draft, according to various mock drafts and rankings. He is ranked as the No. 58 prospect by NBA.com, No. 63 by ESPN.com, No. 66 by The Athletic and No. 68 by Sports Illustrated.
Sotto has expressed his interest in joining the San Antonio Spurs, as he is a fan of Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich. He has also worked out with the Spurs before the draft. However, he is open to any team that will give him an opportunity to showcase his skills and potential.
Sotto is determined to make history as the first full-blooded Filipino to play in the NBA. He hopes to inspire other young players from his country and from Asia to pursue their basketball dreams as well.
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