As I sat scrolling through the official 2022 NBA Draft results, my cursor kept hovering around the second round picks, searching for one particular name: Kai Sotto. The 7'3" Filipino center had been on my radar since his G League Ignite days, and like many basketball enthusiasts across Asia, I was genuinely curious about where he'd land. The draft unfolded with Paolo Banchero going first to Orlando, Chet Holmgren to Oklahoma City—all expected moves—but Sotto's name never appeared on that 58-pick list. Honestly, I felt a mix of disappointment and frustration, not just as an observer but as someone who's followed international prospects for over a decade.
Looking back, Sotto’s journey has been anything but conventional. I remember watching interviews where he emphasized staying ready for opportunities, echoing that now-famous quote: "Typical na mindset pa rin to stay ready para sa opportunity na darating. Nakakatuwa ang coaching pero sumasabay ako sa kanila just to maging fit," he said. "Nung dumating 'yung opportunity, hindi ko siya taken for granted. Hindi ko pinalagpas." That mindset resonates deeply with me because I've seen countless players with raw talent fail to transition simply because they weren't prepared mentally or physically. Sotto, at least from my perspective, understood the assignment. He trained with the AMA Titans in the Philippines, participated in the G League, and even suited up for the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's NBL—all strategic moves to sharpen his skills against tougher competition.
Statistically speaking, his NBL numbers weren't jaw-dropping—he averaged around 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game—but if you dig deeper, you'll notice his per-36-minute stats showed promise: roughly 12 points and 7 rebounds with a block per game. Those aren't superstar figures, but for a 20-year-old big man adjusting to professional physicality, they hint at potential. Still, NBA scouts I've spoken to often pointed out his need for improved lateral quickness and strength, which likely contributed to him going undrafted. From my viewpoint, the league's shift toward versatile bigs who can switch on defense and stretch the floor made Sotto a tougher sell, despite his clear offensive tools and shot-blocking instincts.
What strikes me most, though, is how Sotto’s story reflects a broader narrative in international basketball. Only about 12% of undrafted players eventually sign an NBA contract, and even fewer stick around. Yet, I believe his path isn't closed—it's just different. He’s since joined the Orlando Magic’s Summer League squad, and if he continues embracing that "stay ready" philosophy, I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn a two-way deal or a spot in the G League. Personally, I’m rooting for him; the league could use more diverse big man profiles, and Sotto’s unique skill set offers something fresh. In the end, the draft list might not have featured his name, but his journey underscores that resilience often outweighs a single night's outcome.
