Kai Sotto to work on speed, mental toughness in US training, says dad

MANILA, Philippines — It's difficult to imagine what more Kai Sotto can improve on, considering his dominant presence in the court because of his height alone.

But for his father and mentor Ervin Sotto, Kai has a lot of room to grow both physically and mentally.

As the Sotto family gets ready to leave for Kai's training in the US, the elder Sotto wants to focus on improving his son's game in a slow but steady process.

"Kailangan ni Kai lumakas siya, hindi siya lumaki [kundi] lumakas siya.... Kailangan niya mabantayan o mautakan yung mga kalaban niya," Ervin said during a send-off event hosted by the Ayala Foundation on Thursday.

The Sotto patriarch also sees speed as something to work on during Kai's two-month stay in the US, hoping the skill can give the 16-year-old an advantage over his stronger opponents in the future.

"Kailangan lang niya tumigas at bumilis siya ng konti. Kasi kung ikaw player ka, kalaban mo malakas [at] di mo siya kaya, idadaan mo sa bilis," Ervin said.

But perhaps the most important skill Ervin wants his son to learn during his training is all in the mind.

"Sabi ko sa kanya, it's all about mental [strength]," Ervin said.

"Kahit mahina yung katawan mo [pero] malakas yung mind mo, [magkakaroon] kang time para lumakas yung katawan mo [kasi] sasabay naman yun eh," he said.

Time can only tell how Kai Sotto will improve his game. But with a supportive father and a hopeful nation by his side, the young phenom has a great chance to reach his full potential.