MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:52 p.m.) — Kai Sotto is heading to Australia to continue his pursuit of the NBA.
First reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, Sotto will be playing for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League (NBL).
Sotto is signing a multi-year deal with the club following his exit from the NBA G League program.
Next step on my journey this year. See you soon Australian ???????? pic.twitter.com/HBKoFtl5q4
— Kai Sotto (@kzsottolive) April 21, 2021
The 36ers already welcomed Sotto in an announcement on their official Twitter account.
The Adelaide 36ers are pleased to announce that rising young Filipino talent @kzsottolive has signed a multi-year deal with the Club from NBL22.
Read more: https://t.co/3aJxu6WlCH#WeAreSixers pic.twitter.com/xpVbBZD7Vu— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) April 21, 2021
The 36ers are one of the oldest teams in the NBL, having been part of the league since 1982 — three years after the NBL's establishment.
They are four-time NBL champions, but are currently on a 19-year title drought with their last championship run happening in 2002.
A number of former and current NBA players have had stints in the Australian hoops league. Most recently, 2020 NBA Draft No. 3 pick LaMelo Ball saw action with the Illawarra Hawks before he declared for the draft.
Other notable players from NBL include NBA champion Andrew Bogut, who played two seasons for the Sydney Kings.
Sotto will be under the tutelage of former 2014 NBA D League Coach of the Year Conner Henry.