| |
|
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:
Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani Look Awesome During Today's Presscon; Ready for Saturday's Historic Tokyo Dome Showdown! By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026Santig is IBF Promoter for Asia 2025 By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026Jerusalem Arrives Early in Johannesburg Ahead of May 16 Title Defense , Thu, 30 Apr 2026Confirmed Mayhem: Casimero vs Nery June 6 in Japan! (Long Analysis) By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026Vicelles is OPBF light fly champ By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026WBC Commemorative belt ¨Tollan Tlatequi¨ at stake on Benavidez-Ramirez super fight By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026Toro’s Talented Trio of Prospects Fighting in Mexico on May 15th , Thu, 30 Apr 2026CONAH WALKER READY FOR AN ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST MIDLANDS RIVAL SAM EGGINGTON IN HIS HOMETOWN WOLVERHAMPTON – LIVE ON DAZN , Thu, 30 Apr 2026IBA.PRO Champions Night in Saint Petersburg postponed due to unforeseen circumstances , Thu, 30 Apr 202620th Philippine Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Open on May 1 By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026MELBOURNE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS , Thu, 30 Apr 2026Vicelles Decisions Diaz, Claims OPBF 108-lb Belt in Japan By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026Stars feted at Pacquiao/Elorde Awards Night By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026Magramo banners Blow-By-Blow show , Wed, 29 Apr 2026IBA Bare Knuckle сard сonfirmed for St. Petersburg: IBA.PRO Champions Night , Wed, 29 Apr 2026Magramo 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 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|