| |
|
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:
The Past Week in Action 4 February 2025: Benavidez Beats Morrell; Fulton Outpoints Figueroa; Shields Defeats Perkins
By Eric Armit, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Historic Riyadh Season Blockbuster Set for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Xander Zayas: “This is the Most Important Fight of My Career!”
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Mano Mano sa Candelaria 3: Gemino Outpoints Mancito
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025THE TALENTED AND UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DARIUS “DFG” FULGHUM RETURNS AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR DUARTE VS. PROGRAIS
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš to highlight the ascending stars of female boxing
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Kaipo Gallegos Shines in Las Vegas Victory Over Leonardo Padilla
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025World Boxing membership grows to 72 National Federations as Executive Board approves four new applications from Egypt, Gambia, Kiribati and Grenada
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Deonte Brown signs with prominent manager Trifon Petrov
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Memphis Grizzlies Repeat Over SA Spurs, Overtake Houston Rockets for 2nd in West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 04 Feb 2025WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025IM Michael Concio and Chester Neil Reyes banner IIEE Quezon to win the quarterfinals of the PTC World Engineering Day online Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 04 Feb 2025THURSDAY: Arthur Biyarslanov-Mohamed Mimoune & Heavyweight KO Artist Bakhodir Jalolov’s Return to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: The Super Fight of 2025 Officially Set for Las Vegas
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Makes History and Captures the Undisputed Heavyweight Title at Super Brawl Sunday in Flint, Mich.
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Granite Chin Promotions bringing pro boxing back to Bridgewater “Fight Night at the Vets Club III”
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2025
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Chester Neil Reyes rules 2025 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Feb 2025Taduran defense may be rematch
By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 02 Feb 2025PFF turns over balls to DavNor
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 02 Feb 2025David Benavidez Overcomes Knockdown to Unify Light Heavyweight Titles in Thrilling Bout Against David Morrell Jr.
, Sun, 02 Feb 2025Clash of Titans: Drama Builds for Canelo vs. Crawford Superfight as Critics, Cash, and Concerns Collide
, Sun, 02 Feb 2025WBC Greenlights Noel Mikaelyan’s Cruiserweight Title Shot; Don King Vows to "Make Boxing Great Again"
, Sun, 02 Feb 2025Muslim Gadzhimagomedov victorious in IBA Champions’ Night Moscow main event
, Sun, 02 Feb 20253 Pinoy boxers lose in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 02 Feb 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
