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Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-2-inch center from the Philippines, joins the NBA G League pro program, he announced on Instagram on Thursday.
Sotto, who turned 18 on Monday, became the first international prospect to enroll in the show, joining Jalen Green, ESPN’s top high school prospect, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix. The four are expected to join forces for a Southern California-based team that is not affiliated with any G League franchise.
“In the past two days, there has been a lot of speculation about my next step towards my dream of playing in the NBA … I understand that I have a lot of responsibility with all my compatriots who dream of seeing a Filipino in the NBA,” said Sotto.
“Now, I have to take the next big step towards my NBA dream. We have many options available, but after much thought, I think this option is the best route to get closer to that dream faster. Here, I will be playing with some one of the best and I will have even more resources and support. I am committed to working to develop my game on a much bigger stage. My wish is for you to continue supporting me and my new teammates @jalen @zaytodd and DaishenNix and pray for us. And we look forward to all of our success and health as a team. I am very proud and excited to begin my professional career with the NBA G League Select team. I look forward to your continued support. “
Sotto, ranked by ESPN as the No. 4 player in Georgia in the Class of 2020, played at Ateneo de Manila High School in the Philippines and had been training at The Atlanta-based The Skill Factory and had been considering several Division 1 schools. from the NCAA and European Ball Clubs.
The G League development program is a reformed NBA track program that sources say will pay elite prospects more than $ 500,000 and provide a one-year development program outside of the traditional team structure. of the minor league. In recent years, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley and 2020 draft prospects LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton considered the G-League but passed.
Sotto went through the Philippine youth basketball circuit, having won an MVP of the Junior Basketball Championship and UAAP Finals in 2018, and followed with the league MVP award in 2019. Sotto represented the Philippines in the FIBA U-19 World Cup last year, where he averaged 11.7 points and 7.9 rebounds in 7 games played.
Sotto was named All-Star and MVP of the Jr. NBA Philippines program in 2016 and is the first Jr. NBA Philippines participant to sign with the NBA G League. In February, Sotto participated in the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) World Camp during the NBA All-Star 2020 in Chicago.
Philip Matel of ESPN5 contributed to this report.
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