| |
|
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:
WBC #14 Bryan Flores Takes on Jonathan Navarro in 10-round Super Lightweight Main Event on ProBoxTV, Sat., July 18, at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif.
, Tue, 26 May 2026Villarosa retains PH Youth super fly crown
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 26 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Six More Wins on Day Eight at 2026 Copa America
, Tue, 26 May 2026It’s time for blue-chip prospect Marco Romero to sign with top promoter
, Tue, 26 May 2026General Trias Team All Set for International Chess Meet
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 26 May 2026Rosas wins PH superfly crown in first fight
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 25 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Spurs Shackle Thunder 103-82 in Game 4 of West Finals
By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 25 May 2026Paciones defeats Laspoña, retains WBO Oriental flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 25 May 2026Results from Panama City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 25 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Improves Strong Copa America Showing with 8 win Day
, Mon, 25 May 2026Benilde Blazers wins Antipolo 2x2 chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 25 May 2026Floyd Mayweather Jr files $175 million lawsuit against former associates and advisors
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 24 May 2026Christian Mbilli will defend his WBC super middleweight world title against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 12 in Saudi Arabia!
, Sun, 24 May 2026Toro Promotions’ Trio victorious in Mexico
, Sun, 24 May 2026Team USA Continues Dominant Run with 7-0 Performance on Day Six In Colombia
, Sun, 24 May 2026The Punisher Ultramarathon in Samal on May 30-31
, Sun, 24 May 2026Paciones fights Laspoña tomorrow at Elorde gym
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 23 May 2026STATEMENT MADE! AMARI “THE REAPER” JONES DEFEATS VINCENZO “IL CAPO” GUALTIERI IN IBF MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR
, Sat, 23 May 2026Castillano stops Rosales in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 23 May 2026ProBoxTV Goes Global This Saturday with Two Action-Packed International Events Broadcast Live on One Sensational Saturday
, Sat, 23 May 2026Oleksandr Usyk Returns Against Unknown Boxer on RING/DAZN PPV
By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 23 May 2026Ayala Lardizabal stops Mama as IBA PRO 18 delivers dramatic night in Mexico City
, Sat, 23 May 2026MF PRO Launches U.S. Boxing Debut with “Pugilist Revolution” Featuring "H2O" Sylve vs. Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in Southern California Showdown
, Sat, 23 May 2026Dela Cerna fights Lastimosa on June 21 in Muntilupa
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 23 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Posts Another Seven-Win Day in Colombia
, Sat, 23 May 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
