I still remember watching the 2022 NBA Draft with bated breath, searching for Kai Sotto's name among the selections. As someone who's followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I found myself genuinely invested in the Filipino center's journey. The night unfolded without his name being called, but what struck me most was his remarkable mindset that he later shared in interviews. "Typical na mindset pa rin to stay ready para sa opportunity na darating," he said, and I've come to appreciate how this philosophy reflects both his character and the complex reality of international prospects trying to break into the NBA.
Looking back at the draft results, Sotto ultimately went undrafted among the 58 total selections that night. I've always felt the NBA draft process can be particularly challenging for international players who don't come through the traditional NCAA system. While teams selected players like French center Ismael Kamagate at pick 46 and Spanish forward Karlo Matkovic at 52, Sotto's path took a different turn. His comments about staying ready while playing for AMA really resonated with me - "Nakakatuwa ang coaching pero sumasabay ako sa kanila just to maging fit," he explained. This approach shows a maturity that many young prospects lack, focusing on continuous improvement rather than immediate results.
What many casual observers might not understand is how the NBA draft ecosystem works for players like Sotto. Having tracked numerous international prospects over the years, I've noticed that going undrafted doesn't necessarily mean the end of the road. In fact, approximately 35-40% of undrafted players eventually sign some form of NBA contract, though the exact numbers vary annually. Sotto's attitude of not taking opportunities for granted - "Nung dumating 'yung opportunity, hindi ko siya taken for granted. Hindi ko pinalagpas" - demonstrates the exact mindset needed to navigate this challenging landscape. I've always believed that resilience often matters more than raw talent in these situations.
The reality is that only about 4-5 players from outside the United States get drafted each year without having played in American college basketball, making Sotto's challenge particularly daunting. From my perspective, his development path through the NBL Australia and his G League stint showed promising flashes, though I personally think he needed more consistent minutes against high-level competition. His commitment to staying ready, even while balancing coaching duties, speaks volumes about his work ethic. In my experience covering basketball prospects, this type of dedication often pays dividends later in a player's career, even if the immediate draft outcome isn't ideal.
Reflecting on Sotto's journey, I'm reminded that the NBA draft represents just one moment in a much longer basketball narrative. While the 2022 draft didn't feature his name among the selections, his subsequent opportunities with the Orlando Magic summer league team and his continued professional development suggest that his story is far from over. The basketball world often focuses too much on draft night rather than the broader career trajectory. In Sotto's case, his mature approach to preparation and opportunity suggests he understands this better than most. I've seen numerous players carve out meaningful careers after going undrafted, and something tells me Sotto's combination of size, skill, and mindset might just help him join those ranks.
