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Kai Sotto and Pascal Siakam after the NBA-Fiba Basketball Without Borders camp. PHOTO OF RAPTORS
MANILA, Philippines – Phoenix head coach Monty Williams believes the Philippines could become the home of future NBA players and could start with young Kai Sotto.
In an interview with the NBA Republic Huddle, Williams said that Sotto’s decision to drop out of college and join the NBA G League would be the precursor for future Filipino players to join the world’s leading basketball association.
Williams said the Philippines in the future could become like Canada, which has produced a significant number of NBA players in the past and present.
“I think every time one or two players break through, and you just keep working and continue to have the enthusiasm and the atmosphere, at some point you could end up being like Canada,” Williams said.
2020 NBA Finals feat. Coach Monty Williams
Every group needs a head coach. So we got Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams talking about the #NBAFinals, Kai Sotto and his rising team. ️ Along with Boom Gonzalez and Jinno Rufino, this is a Huddle that you will want to be a part of. #WholeNewGame #RisePHX
Posted by NBA Philippines on Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Canada’s best basketball product is two-time league MVP Steve Nash, but there are current players from the country who have made their mark in the NBA with players like Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, Tristan Thompson, RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous- Alexander and Dillon Brooks among others.
Williams, who also coached New Orleans from 2010 to 2016, added that Canada was not always a country known for its NBA players in the past.
But since then the country has produced several players and is the second most represented country in the NBA after the United States.
“It started with one or two guys in the past, and obviously Canada looked at American players, but they also saw guys who grew up the same way they did, came to the same gyms they did and now believe they can,” Williams said. .
The Suns head coach said the Philippines just have to continue their grassroots programs and eventually one player will make a breakthrough.
“I think if you guys continue with your fundamentals programs, camps and seeds, just sticking with it, now that you have a few examples, you might end up having your own pipeline, and that’s exciting,” Williams said. “Think of your country with 10, 12, 15 players in the NBA, how cool would that be?”
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