MANILA, Philippines — Naniniwala si Adelaide head coach CJ Bruton na malakas ang tsansa ni Kai Sotto na makapasok sa NBA.
Personal na nasaksihan ni Bruton ang bawat galaw at kilos ng 7-foot-3 Pinoy cager sa training camp ng 36ers.
Malaki na ang improvement ni Sotto.
Kaya naman optimistiko si Bruton na makakapasok si Sotto sa NBA.
“There’s no doubt that Kai will have every opportunity to play in the NBA. If it’s this year, depending on how the draft stock goes because, as we all know, it can be different at different times,” ani Bruton sa Play It Right TV.
Usap-usapan na sa social media na sasabak si Sotto sa NBA Draft sa taong ito.
Ngunit wala pang pormal na kumpirmasyon ang kampo ni Sotto.
“It’s to give him every shot to want to be first round and play and contribute. But I feel like right now, just for him to get drafted, his time will come,” ani Bruton.
Handa si Bruton na gawin ang lahat upang matulungan si Sotto na patuloy na mag-improve at maging handa sa matinding bakbakang haharapin nito sa NBA.
“My job is to help him become an elite player and hopefully, one day get to the NBA. And to get there, every day counts. And I need him to keep pushing himself and set the tone every day in practice, which he’s been doing,” ani Bruton.
Hanga si Bruton sa dedikasyon ni Sotto partikular na sa ensayo kung saan handa itong magsakripisyo para makuha ang perpektong kundisyon ng kanyang pangangatawan.
“His charisma, his athleticism, it all shines within our group. The way he’s played has been next level. Diving for loose balls in practice, blocking shots – which we know he’s capable of doing – and finishing on the other end with authority; and enjoying and bringing that smile in everyone’s faces and his own, which has been good,” ani Bruton.