| |
|
Second Overtime: Kai Sotto: It will take time but this NBA dream is close to reality
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 17 Feb 2020
CHICAGO -- Many have tried. None were taken.
Seeing a full-blooded Filipino make it to the NBA is a national aspiration for a basketball-crazy country like the Philippines.
As if bound by civic duty, we've hoped and prayed that we will see a brown brother out there frolicking with the world's greatest athletes.
But from Japeth Aguilar to Kobe Paras to Kiefer Ravena, we've all ended up picking the scabs of frustration as we wonder if the longing would ever end.
And then Kai Sotto comes along.
He is by far the best chance we've got of finally having an NBA player whom we can rally behind as a nation while soaking in the collective pride that, yes, a Filipino can play basketball at the highest level.
Kai has more assets than a bank. He is 7-foot-1 long, a nimble big who can run and space the floor. His body can use a little more pounds to withstand physical play while his speed and quickness need more volume.
The author with Kai Sotto at the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Camp. Other images show Sotto in action. (Photos by Japheth Bandi).
But he is only 17 years young. Time will allow him to work on those things.
In an era of instant gratification, the urge is to watch him go to the NBA soon but this is a process that will require sure but slow and gentle steps. Be patient, pump the brakes a little bid.
Let this kid grow.
Meanwhile, enjoy watching the journey he makes.
It will be one heck of a ride.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Magramo excited to fight Rementizo for new PBO title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026Angel “AK-47” Barrientes Dominates Luis Espinoza with Shutout Victory in Las Vegas
, Wed, 29 Apr 2026Manangquil is again Manager of the Year
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026World Boxing confirms details of AIN procedure that will allow boxers from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions
, Wed, 29 Apr 2026MATCHROOM BOXING AND DAZN PRESENTER JAMIE WARD CELEBRATES COVETED SJA AWARD FOR 'ONES TO WATCH – BROADCAST ON AIR'
, Wed, 29 Apr 2026Farewell, Sir Perry Mariano
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 27 APRIL 2026: Jarrell Miller Outpoints Lenier Pero; Chaves, Sosa win in Vegas show
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 28 Apr 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Preparing to fight on Major Global Platform
, Tue, 28 Apr 2026“The Boss” Mig is PBO president
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 28 Apr 2026Teófimo moving up to welterweight?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 28 Apr 2026Donatelo Pinlac reigns supreme
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 28 Apr 2026'THE COMEBACK' IS CONFIRMED: AJ RETURNS TO RIYADH ON JULY 25 AS HEAVYWEIGHT ICON FACES KRSITIAN PRENGA – LIVE ON DAZN
, Tue, 28 Apr 2026SANDOVAL vs YAFAI UNIFICATION WORLD TITLE FIGHT TOPS THE BILL IN SHEFFIELD ON JUNE 6 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS DALTON SMITH IS SIDELINED
, Tue, 28 Apr 2026IBA Global Boxing Series 2026 – India Edition delivers landmark night of professional boxing in Mumbai
, Tue, 28 Apr 2026Xander Zayas Signs Multi-Year Extension with Top Rank
, Tue, 28 Apr 2026Victor Wembanyama ties Shaquille O'Neal's Playoff Points-Rebounds-Blocks Record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 28 Apr 2026Pinoy chesser bags gold in China tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 28 Apr 2026MELBOURNE FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS NICOLSON TAKES ON TURNER FOR THE WBC INTERIM WORLD TITLE
, Mon, 27 Apr 2026‘I’m coming to put on a performance—something exciting, something real. Don’t blink – The Black Hulk Bilal Seidu is back May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Fil-Am Brandon Kier Sustento strikes again in US chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026Llover nears title shot
By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026All Star Boxing, Inc. Signs Undefeated Japanese Prospect Yuga Ozaki to Multi-Year Promotional Agreement
, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Labog rules Okada Manila Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026Dacullo Edges Cometa in Thriller, Remains GAB Philippine Youth Minimum weight Champion
By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 27 Apr 2026SKYE NICOLSON FIRES WARNING TO MARIAH TURNER AS SHE TARGETS HOMECOMING WIN THIS WEDNESDAY IN BID TO LAND UNDISPUTED SHOT
, Mon, 27 Apr 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
