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PIONEER. Kai Sotto becomes the first international player to join the NBA G League program. Photo by Paul Mata / Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim sees Kai Sotto as a player with “many advantages” despite the fact that the great Filipino is not recognized as a five-star prospect in the United States.
Sotto has been ranked out of the top 50 in the class of 2020 by multiple scouting websites, a far cry from his future teammates on the selected G-League team that are ranked in the top 20.
Jalen Green is touted as a possible top 3 pick in the NBA 2021 Draft, while Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix are five-star prospects.
However, the G-League still signed the 7-foot-2-inch Sotto, making him the first international prospect to join his program en route to the NBA.
“We believe that Kai can somehow go unnoticed and that he is new to the United States and the popular player evaluation media,” Abdur-Rahim told Philippine journalists in a conference call.
“People haven’t seen much of it, and if you’ve seen it, then you recognize that it has made great progress.”
Abdur-Rahim said Sotto, who is looking to become the first homegrown Filipino to reach the NBA, possesses the traits he is looking for in a player to see action from the selected G League team.
“We want to see NBA-level talent, work ethic, high character, and a desire to drive and be challenged,” said Abdur-Rahim.
“There are many talented players around the world, [but] not everyone would fit into this program because some may not be ready for the commitment to prepare for the NBA, “he added.
Abdur-Rahim knows very well what it takes to make the leap to the big leagues, being voted No. 3 overall in the 1996 NBA Draft that included Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Allen Iverson and Ray Allen.
The executive-turned player normalized 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in 13 NBA seasons and earned a nod to the All-Star Game in 2002.
Abdur-Rahim said the G-League will help Sotto develop his skills and body on the road to achieving his dream in the NBA.
“He is new to the system, so there are some people who may not know him. We see that Kai has many advantages.” – Rappler.com
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