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Kai Sotto is yet to reach the peak of his career, but at 18, the 7-foot-2 basketball prodigy is the closest full-blooded Filipino player in the NBA.
Training in the NBA G League under Coach Brian Shaw, Sotto continues his path to greatness after announcing the launch of his sports academy at the Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill Complex, the largest indoor sports complex in North America.
By the end of 2021, many aspiring athletes can enter the 1.3 million square foot sports facility where they can find the “Kaiju Academy”. And it’s just one of more than 20 basketball courts, along with other facilities, located in Hamilton, Ohio.
“It is a dream come true to mentor young athletes globally,” Sotto said in a statement as reported by Forbes.
While the Japanese term “Kaiju” may sound like a pun on his name, Sotto explained the deeper meaning behind the brand. Thinking about endurance and youth, Sotto said that “Kaiju” fit perfectly with his vision of himself as a basketball player and young mentor.
“The idea is for the Kaiju Academy to teach these young athletes to play ‘like a beast’ on the court and to be amazing men and women off the court,” said the former Ateneo high school standout.
“I want young men and women to gain the right experience, development, exposure, and mentoring to become their best, both mentally and physically, and create a Kaijus ecosystem that is healthy for all athletes and their families “.
Former Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes praised Sotto for the project, adding that Kaiju Academy can serve as a “feeder system” for prospective Gilas Pilipinas players who were born in the United States.
“In general, it presents opportunities that were previously a pipe dream. It’s a game changer, ”Reyes said. “I’m impressed that someone as young as Kai would have thought of starting his own academy.”
Kai, the son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto, brought his talents to the US after an impressive performance in the UAAP youth division and finally dressed for Team Ignite in the NBA G League.
Joining Sotto on the elite prospect team are Filipino-American Jalen Green, Congolese Jonathan Kuminga and Americans Daishen Nix and Isaiah Todd.
Sotto recently posted five points, five rebounds and two blocks in a 113-107 loss in practice against veteran G League members on Tuesday (Manila time).
“It is what I want my legacy to be and it is [e]embedded deep in my soul. I want to give back to both young men and women around the world who want to improve themselves and achieve their sporting dreams, ”added Sotto.
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