As the NBA has expanded its influence, the Philippines’ support for the sport is among the best in the world, filled with passionate fans who live and breathe basketball. Though many Filipinos have watched with wonder as the league’s superstars visit the country—with some even playing in exhibition games in front of thousands—they are now looking to impact the game they love in their own way.
The league has featured several notable players of Filipino descent throughout the years, with Jalen Green and Jordan Clarkson serving as recent examples. However, there has never been a Filipino-born player in the NBA.
One undrafted rookie is looking to change that. Orlando Magic center Kai Sotto, who made his NBA Summer League debut Wednesday night, is attempting to bridge the gap between the Philippines and the Association. He has the nation behind him every step of the way.
A Global Game: Filipino Rookie Kai Sotto Could Make NBA History
Sotto’s Journey
Sotto stands out as a prospect, both literally and figuratively. The seven-foot-two center hails from Las Piñas, a city inside the main region of Metro Manila. He became invested in the sport from a young age. He had a storied high school career at Ateneo de Manila, culminating with a UAAP juniors division championship in 2018 (where he won Finals MVP) and MVP honors the following season.
Sotto’s long-winded journey has taken him from the Philippines to the U.S. and other parts of the world. He first arrived in the States in 2019 to train at The Skill Factory in Atlanta. Afterwards, he played a season with the NBA’s G League Ignite before returning to the Philippines for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup. He then spent two seasons with the NBL’s Adelaide 36ers, facing former NBA players in various contests. In 2022-23, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on 51% shooting from the field.
The big man’s NBA aspirations were close to fruition when he declared for the 2022 Draft, but he did not hear his name that night. After another overseas stint—this time with the Hiroshima Dragonflies of the Japanese B League—Sotto joined the Magic’s Summer League team, coming one step closer to his dream and the one shared by fellow Filipinos.
2023 Summer League: Sotto’s Best Chance
Sotto has an opportunity to display his skills on both ends of the floor in Las Vegas. He holds promise as a young big who effectively scores inside the arc and protects the paint just as well. He’s designated as one of two centers on the Magic’s Summer League roster, but instead of racking up meaningful minutes, he accumulated DNPs in the team’s first three games.
Through it all, Sotto remained resilient, telling ESPN he has enjoyed Summer League and is doing his best to be a team player.
“I’m just trying to show the coaches that I’m a good teammate, I’m a good player,” he said. “I’ll be ready whenever they call my name. I’ll be a positive guy on the corner, on the bench. I’m just like a sponge, just trying to learn from everybody, from all the things that’s happening to us.”
He also expressed his gratitude towards Filipino fans cheering him on at the Thomas & Mack Center, saying, “I’m really happy to see a lot of Filipinos here come and watch our game and support. It’s just a blessing each day to represent my country and to have a lot of people believe in me.”
Conversely, his supporters had grown frustrated with Orlando’s coaching staff. As the team fell to 0-3 in Vegas, fans flooded social media with the hashtag “#LetKaiPlay.”
The wait was over Wednesday night, as Sotto checked in during the second quarter of Orlando’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. In 13 minutes, Sotto put up six points (3-7 FG), four rebounds, three blocks and one assist. He was still getting acclimated to the game’s speed but provided solid production nonetheless.
Kai Sotto two-hand throwdown 🔨🇵🇭pic.twitter.com/eF2mcWgNNB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 14, 2023
The same fans clamoring for Sotto to play rejoiced at the opportunity he received last night.
My dad is Filipinos everywhere when Kai Sotto made his NBA summer league debut @kzsottolive pic.twitter.com/AC2dQCmK4f
— Stephen Mamiit (@mamiittime15) July 14, 2023
kai sotto with 6 points , 3 rebs & 3 blks despite not being favored by his coach in the summer league. pic.twitter.com/IFcRTonEsd
— gilasmuse (@pilipinasmuse) July 14, 2023
What’s Next
Following Sotto’s debut, fans can only hope it leads to more opportunities for the young prospect when training camp comes.
There are currently 40 open two-way contract spots for Sotto to fight for. A team could also sign him to an Exhibit 10 contract. Here, even if a player is waived before opening night, he could sign with that team’s G League affiliate and earn a bonus if he stays with them for 60 days.
During his interview with the NBA before the 2022 Draft, Sotto touched on what it would mean for him to make it to the league.
“When I look at the bigger picture, I want to make it to the NBA to serve as an example and inspiration to the younger players, younger athletes back home in the Philippines,” he told NBA.com. “If they can say that if Kai can make it, so can I, that’s a dream come true.”
Thankfully, his options remain open, and the dream is still alive.
The Last Word on Kai Sotto
Ultimately, Sotto’s journey to an NBA roster is not over, but he has faced a plethora of bumps in the road. As other international prospects can attest, their steps toward playing in the league differed significantly from the ones who took a more traditional route in the U.S., but it doesn’t diminish their status as an NBA player. The same should go for Sotto.
Sotto’s debut last night allowed basketball fans to glimpse his talent. The young Filipino deserves more opportunities to let his game speak for itself, just as the Magic have done with the rest of the players on their roster.
The NBA’s slogan at one point was, “Where amazing happens.” For Kai Sotto and his supporters in North America and the Philippines, it’s clear they’re taking that message to heart and hoping that the miracle will come sooner than later.
