Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-3 Filipino basketball prodigy, has been making significant strides in the international basketball scene. Born on May 11, 2002, in Manila, Philippines, Sotto’s journey from local courts to global arenas exemplifies dedication, talent, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Sotto’s passion for basketball was evident from a young age. Standing out due to his remarkable height, he quickly became a dominant presence on the court. His early years were marked by rigorous training and participation in various local tournaments, where he showcased his burgeoning skills and basketball IQ.
Transition to International Play
In 2019, Sotto took a significant step by joining The Skill Factory in Atlanta, USA. This move was pivotal, providing him with exposure to high-level competition and advanced training methodologies. His tenure at The Skill Factory culminated in an invitation to the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, further solidifying his status as a top international prospect.
Professional Pursuits
Sotto’s professional journey began with his signing with the NBA G League Ignite in 2020, a team designed to develop elite prospects. However, he parted ways with the Ignite to represent the Philippines in international competitions. Subsequently, he joined the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) for the 2021-2022 season. During his stint, he averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential against seasoned professionals.
Dominance in Japan’s B.League
In 2024, Sotto signed with the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League. His impact was immediate and profound. Over 24 games, he averaged a double-double with 14.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. Notably, he displayed a newfound proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 21 three-point attempts, resulting in an impressive 52.38% accuracy rate.
National Team Contributions
Beyond club commitments, Sotto has been a cornerstone for the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas. His contributions have been instrumental in various international tournaments, where he consistently matches up against top-tier talent, further honing his skills and gaining invaluable experience.
Current Rankings and Recognition
As of January 2025, Sotto’s performances have not only garnered attention but have also placed him among the top players in the B.League. His statistical achievements rank him fourth among the league’s best three-point shooters, underscoring his versatility and expanding skill set.
Future Aspirations
Sotto remains steadfast in his ambition to join the NBA. His journey reflects a continuous upward trajectory, marked by adaptability, growth, and an ever-expanding repertoire of skills. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the basketball world keenly watches, anticipating his next move on the global stage.
Kai Sotto: The Rise of a Global Basketball Phenomenon
Kai Sotto, the towering Filipino basketball prodigy, has continued to break barriers and prove doubters wrong. From a young talent in the Philippines to dominating the professional scene internationally, Sotto has become a beacon of hope for Philippine basketball. His journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, showcases his resilience, dedication, and immense potential.
Early Years and Basketball Beginnings
Born on May 11, 2002, in Manila, Philippines, Kai Sotto grew up in a basketball-centric family. His father, Ervin Sotto, was a former professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), which influenced Kai’s early passion for the game. Standing at an exceptional height from a young age, he quickly garnered attention for his dominance on the court.
Sotto started his basketball journey at St. Francis of Assisi College before transferring to Ateneo de Manila High School, where he played for the Blue Eaglets in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). His impact was immediate, helping his team clinch the championship while earning MVP honors. He averaged impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks, solidifying himself as one of the top young prospects in the country.
Pursuing an International Dream
Recognizing the need to compete at a higher level, Sotto made the bold decision to move to the United States in 2019 to train at The Skill Factory (TSF) in Atlanta. This move was crucial in exposing him to a more competitive environment, where he played against elite high school players and gained valuable experience.
During his time in the U.S., he received invitations to prestigious basketball events, including the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend. His performances showcased his high basketball IQ, soft shooting touch, and elite shot-blocking ability.
G League Ignite and Decision to Play Elsewhere
Sotto’s journey took an interesting turn when he signed with the NBA G League Ignite in 2020, a developmental program designed for top prospects. However, he opted to leave the program to represent the Philippines in international competitions, a decision that reflected his deep commitment to his country. Unfortunately, this led to complications in his draft stock, as he missed valuable playing time in the G League.
Professional Career and Growth
Adelaide 36ers (NBL)
In 2021, Sotto signed with the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). His tenure in the NBL was instrumental in his development as he competed against seasoned professionals. During his first season, he averaged 7.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game in limited minutes. Despite being a young player, his performances turned heads, particularly with his ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor with his developing three-point shot.
Japan B.League Dominance
In 2024, Sotto took his talents to the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League, where he saw a significant leap in his game. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, averaging 14.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His newfound confidence in his outside shooting also made headlines, as he converted 52.38% of his three-point attempts over 24 games.
Sotto’s ability to adapt and improve his skill set in different leagues proves his potential to become an elite big man in international basketball. His combination of size, mobility, and shooting ability is rare, making him an enticing prospect for higher levels of play.
Contributions to Gilas Pilipinas
Despite his commitments to professional leagues, Sotto has remained dedicated to representing the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas. His presence in international tournaments has provided the squad with much-needed rim protection, rebounding, and scoring. He played a crucial role in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and continues to be a central figure in the team’s long-term plans.
Sotto’s international exposure has allowed him to compete against top-tier talent, further sharpening his skills and preparing him for bigger opportunities in his career.
Breaking Through the Rankings
Sotto’s rise in the rankings has been a testament to his hard work and ability to silence critics. As of 2025, he has emerged as one of the top-ranked players in the B.League, securing the No. 1 ranking in certain metrics and No. 2 overall in the league. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with scouts and analysts recognizing his improvement in scoring efficiency, rebounding dominance, and defensive impact.
His ranking as one of the league’s top players also fuels speculation about his next career move. Will he attempt another NBA entry, or will he continue to establish himself in international leagues before making the leap?
Future Aspirations and NBA Hopes
Despite previous setbacks in his NBA dream, Sotto remains focused on making it to the world’s biggest basketball stage. His continued improvement in Japan and international competitions makes him a legitimate candidate for a future NBA call-up.
Several NBA teams have reportedly kept an eye on Sotto, intrigued by his combination of size, mobility, and shooting ability. If he continues to refine his game—particularly his strength, speed, and consistency from beyond the arc—he could very well earn a spot in the NBA.
Even if he doesn’t enter the NBA immediately, Sotto has the potential to dominate European leagues, continue excelling in Asia, or return to the NBL. His options remain open, and his trajectory continues to trend upward.
Silencing the Doubters
Sotto has faced his fair share of critics throughout his career. Many questioned whether he had the physicality, speed, and skill to compete at the highest level. However, time and time again, he has proven that he is more than just his height—he is a skilled basketball player with a high ceiling.
His improved three-point shooting, rebounding, and defensive awareness indicate his commitment to continuous growth. Those who once ridiculed his aspirations now watch as he dominates in professional leagues and climbs the ranks of international basketball.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Kai Sotto’s journey is far from over. From the streets of Manila to professional leagues around the world, he has shown resilience, determination, and a relentless work ethic. His No. 1 ranking in certain categories and No. 2 overall standing in Japan’s B.League are just the beginning.
As he continues to refine his game and chase his dreams, one thing is clear—Kai Sotto is a name that will be remembered in basketball for years to come. Whether in the NBA, Europe, or as an international basketball legend, his journey is an inspiration for aspiring athletes, proving that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.