The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be held in the Philippines, making it one of three host countries. While Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is the most recognizable nаme on the Philippines’ team, forward Kai Sotto is one of the tournament’s most fascinating competitors.

Sotto, a 7-foot-3 center from the Philippines, was once widely regarded as a top prоspect. Sotto’s professional career has taken him from the NBA G League Ignite to the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL after he completed his amateur career in the United States.

In February of 2023, Sotto signed with the Hiroshima Dragonflies of the Japanese B.League. The 2023–24 B.League season will find him back in Hiroshima after he spent this summer playing with the Orlando Magic at the NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas.

Is Kai Sotto any good? The Sporting News examines the rising star’s profile and future potential.

In 2019, Sotto arrived in the United States for the first time to begin working at The Skill Factory in Atlanta. Sotto proved himself to be a promising player at The Skill Factory, and as a result, he will be attending the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in Chicago during All-Star Weekend in 2020.

Sotto committed to the NBA G League Ignite pathway program despite interest from major Division I programs like Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Kentucky. However, he was unable to fulfill this commitment due to his commitment to the Philippines National team and logistical complications caused by the CоVID-19 pаndemic and the NBA G League’s bubble during the 2020-21 season.

Sotto signed with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian NBL despite being ineligible for the 2021 NBA Draft. Sotto played with Adelaide in his debut professional season, averaging 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 23 games while declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft. He was not selected.

Sotto returned to the 36ers for the 2022-23 season after going undrafted and averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 27 games before signing with Hiroshima of the B.League in January.

Sotto made an immediate impact for the Dragonflies on March 18 by posting a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double. He extended his contract with Hiroshima on May 24; the new terms allow him to go for the NBA if he so chooses.

After signing the agreement, Sotto remarked, “The NBA is my biggest dream.” He said that he would spend the summer training in the United States. Sotto joined the Magic in the summer but only played in two games.

Sotto scored eight points in a World Cup tune-up loss to Mexico on August 21 and finished with a plus-2.

Sotto stands at a towering 7 feet, 3 inches tall, which is often the first thing people notice about him. Since his days as a scrawny recruit in 2020, Sotto has put on over 30 pounds of muscle and is now classified at 230 pounds.

Sotto capitalizes on his height on offense by converting easy layups as a roll man, a cutter from the dunker’s slot, and a recipient of more than his share of оffensive rebounds. Although he had trouble extending his range while playing with the Dragonflies, the lefty does possess a great shooting technique.

Sotto’s lack of lateral quickness limits his effectiveness as a defender in the pick-and-roll and is a weakness across the board. Sotto’s ability to block shots is one of his most marketable traits. From the assist position, he has been able to alter and deny shots by virtue of his height and length.

Sotto, who turned 21 in May, has plenty of time and room to mature into his full potential. Sotto may make a nаme for himself at the World Cup if he performs well.