Kai ready for NBA

MANILA, Philippines — PBA vice chairman/Gilas project director Alfancis Chua is upbeat on Kai Sotto’s basketball future and based on his performance at the recent FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window, the 7-3 center could be ready for an NBA breakthrough.

Sotto, 22, compiled 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two blocked shots in 32:58 minutes in Gilas’ 93-89 win over New Zealand last Thursday and 12 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots in 23:13 minutes in Gilas’ 93-54 romp over Hong Kong last Sunday. In four FIBA Asia Cup qualifying games so far, Sotto is averaging 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 blocks and 25.1 minutes, shooting .478 from the field and .692 from the line.

“Si Kai ready na pang NBA,” said Chua. “He’s playing with confidence and at a high level. Ang exposure niya sa OQT in Serbia at Latvia, malaking bagay. With more games, more competitions, he’ll even be better. Kai’s a good shooter, he can post up, shoot threes, rebound, protect the rim. He’s also a very good passer with very good eyes.”

Chua said Sotto’s combination with eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo reminds him of the legendary San Antonio Spurs tandem of David Robinson and Tim Duncan. “Kai and June Mar complement each other,” noted Chua. “Just like Robinson and Duncan, they’re interchangeable. Robinson could play inside or outside like Duncan. High-low is perfect when Kai plays outside and looks for June Mar inside. Or they can both post up, draw the double then pass to whomever is free in the paint for a dunk or layup.” Sotto is on his third Japan B-League season, averaging 12.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 28.7 minutes in 13 games for the Koshigaya Alphas. In 2023, Sotto suited up for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League.

Chua said he recently spoke to Sen. Francis Tolentino about the status of Bennie Boatwright’s application for naturalization. Boatwright underwent surgery for an Achilles injury last August. It’s not certain when he’ll be ready to play but he may be asked to stay in the country to facilitate his naturalization. The plan is to enlist Boatwright as Justin Brownlee’s backup. The third FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window pits Gilas against Chinese-Taipei on Feb. 20 and New Zealand on Feb. 23, both on the road.