Kai Sotto

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

Kai Sotto
Sotto with the Yokohama B-Corsairs in 2024
No. 11 – Koshigaya Alphas
PositionCenter
LeagueB. League
Personal information
Born (2002-05-11) May 11, 2002 (age 22)
Las Piñas, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Listed height7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)
Listed weight232 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High schoolAteneo de Manila
(Quezon City, Philippines)
NBA draft2022: undrafted
Playing career2021–present
Career history
2021–2023Adelaide 36ers
2023–2024Hiroshima Dragonflies
2023–2024Yokohama B-Corsairs
2024–presentKoshigaya Alphas
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing the  Philippines
SEABA U16 Championship
Gold medal – first place 2017 Quezon City Team

Kai Zachary Perlado Sotto (English: /ˈk/, Tagalog: [ˈkaɪ ˈsɔtɔ]; born May 11, 2002) is a Filipino professional basketball player for Koshigaya Alphas of the Japanese B.League. Listed at 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m),[1] he plays the center position. He is tied with Raul Dillo as the tallest Filipino professional basketball player ever.[2] Sotto and Dillo are also the second-tallest Filipino men, behind only William Biscocho, who stands at 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m).[3][4]

Sotto is the son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Ervin Sotto. He played high school basketball for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), winning the juniors' division championship and MVP award. He then moved to the United States, where he was recruited by several NCAA Division I schools, but decided to forgo his college eligibility and signed with NBA G League Ignite in 2020. However, due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions and his decision to play for the Philippine national team at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, Sotto left Ignite by mutual agreement. He then joined the Adelaide 36ers of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) for the 2021–22 season, after which he declared for the 2022 NBA draft but went undrafted. He returned to the 36ers for another season before joining the Hiroshima Dragonflies of Japan's B.League.

Sotto has also represented the Philippines national team in several senior and youth tournaments.

Early life and education

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Sotto was born on May 11, 2002, in Las Piñas, Philippines, to Ervin Sotto and Pamela Sotto (née Perlado). Sotto began playing basketball when he was four years old. Sotto began studying at Saint Francis of Assisi College to pursue his primary education.[5] He grew up idolizing basketball players Tim Duncan, June Mar Fajardo and Kristaps Porziņģis.[5][6]

In March 2019, Sotto left Ateneo as a third-year high school student to move to the United States in an attempt to advance his basketball career.[7] In the United States, he continued his studies at the Miami School in Hamilton, Ohio while simultaneously dealing with commitments with The Skill Factory and NBA G League Ignite.[8] He graduated from Miami School in April 2021.[9]

Amateur career

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High school career

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In April 2016, Sotto enrolled at Ateneo de Manila High School in Quezon City and joined its basketball program, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, which competes in the Juniors' division of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).[10] In UAAP Season 79 (2016–17), the 14-year-old 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) Sotto led the league in blocked shots per game (1.5). He was named Rookie of the Year as Ateneo reached the Final Four.[11] In his second season, UAAP Season 80 (2017–18), the 15-year-old 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) Sotto led the Eaglets to the championship. In the three-game finals series, he averaged 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 6.3 blocks, winning him the Finals MVP award.[12] He was also named in the season's Mythical Five and finished second in the MVP race.[13] In his final season with Ateneo, UAAP Season 81 (2018–19), Sotto averaged 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He won the season MVP award and was again named in the Mythical Team.[14][15] However, Ateneo failed to defend their title, falling to the NSNU Bullpups in a rematch of the previous season's finals.[16][17]

The Skill Factory

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Sotto with The Skill Factory (2020)

On November 9, 2019, Sotto announced that he would join The Skill Factory, a preparatory program based in Atlanta, Georgia.[18] In his debut one day later, he recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds in a 65–61 loss to IMG Academy.[19] On January 21, 2020, Sotto was named MVP of the King Invitational tournament, averaging 27 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.3 blocks and three assists in three games.[20] On February 15, 2020, he participated in the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp held during NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago.[21][22]

U.S. college recruiting

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In the United States, Sotto was considered a consensus four-star recruit by major recruiting services.[23] He was recruited by several NCAA Division I programs.[24] It was announced on May 13, 2020, that Sotto joined the NBA G League Ignite, forgoing his college eligibility.[25]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Kai Sotto
C
Las Piñas, Philippines Ateneo de Manila
(Philippines)
7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) 215 lb (98 kg) — 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars   ESPN grade: 84
Overall recruiting rankings:   Rivals: 70  247Sports: 54  ESPN: 65
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2020 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 2, 2020.

Professional career

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On May 13, 2020, Sotto signed with the NBA G League and joined the NBA G League Ignite as part of the league's new developmental program operating outside its traditional team structure.[25][26] Ignite joined the 2020–21 season as part of the traditional team structure following the non-participation of several regular teams in a competition played inside a bio-secure bubble. However, Sotto was expected to miss several games with Ignite after he opted to play for the Philippine national team at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers given by logistical issues caused by COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions.[27] Despite being able to return to the United States, the NBA G League announced that it has reached a "mutual decision" that Sotto would not be able to rejoin Ignite.[28]

Due to Sotto joining Ignite, he is ineligible to play for a college team in NCAA Division I games. Overtime reportedly expressed interest for Sotto to join their basketball league, Overtime Elite.[29] He was also ineligible for the 2021 NBA draft, having recently graduated from high school in the same year and was only able to join in 2022 at the earliest.[30]

Adelaide 36ers (2021–2023)

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On April 21, 2021, Sotto signed a contract to play for the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL).[31] He was signed as a "Special Restricted Player", which means that he is treated the same way as a local player and is not subject to the NBL's import limit. Sotto is guaranteed two years in his contract with an option to play for the 36ers for a third year.[32]

On January 30, 2022, Sotto recorded 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist in 21 minutes of play, in an upset victory, 88–83 over the reigning champions and top-seeded Melbourne United.[33]

On April 28, Sotto declared for the 2022 NBA draft.[34] He worked out for multiple NBA teams but went undrafted.[35] He then switched agents and on July 29, he announced that he would return to play for Adelaide for a second straight year.[36]

On October 28, 2022, Sotto recorded a season-high 16 points and seven rebounds in a 99–70 loss to the New Zealand Breakers.[37] On January 8, 2023, he tied his season-high of 16 points and put up five rebounds and two blocks in an 85–83 loss to the Breakers.[38]

On February 5, 2023, Sotto announced that he is leaving the team and will sign with a team overseas.[39]

B.League (2023–present)

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Sotto playing for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in 2023

On February 7, 2023, Sotto signed a contract with the Hiroshima Dragonflies of the Japanese B.League.[40] His contract is until the end of the season as he is planning to join the 2023 NBA Summer League.[41] On March 18, 2023. Sotto recorded his first B.League double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds in a 90–72 win over the Ibaraki Robots.[42]

On May 24, 2023, Sotto signed a contract extension with the team.[43] The contract include an opt-out clause if Sotto would be signed in the NBA.[44]

On June 23, 2023, Sotto received an invite from the Orlando Magic to play in the NBA Summer League.[45] In the 2023 off-season tournament,[46] Sotto made his debut in the Magic's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, their fourth Summer League game for that season, putting up six points, four rebounds, and three blocks in 13 minutes played.[47] However, he reportedly sustained a back injury in the Magic's next game against the Boston Celtics.[48]

On December 28, 2023, Sotto joined the Yokohama B-Corsairs on loan from the Dragonflies for the rest of the 2023–24 season.[49][50] On February 11, 2024, Sotto recorded a career-high 26 points with 11 rebounds in a 90–85 win over the Chiba Jets.[51] Koshigaya Alphas's Sotto suffered a sprained left ankle in Koshigaya’s win over AJ Edu on November 6.[52]

National team career

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Junior national team

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Sotto made his national team debut for the Philippines at the 2017 SEABA Under-16 Championship in Quezon City, Philippines. He averaged 16.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and three blocks per game, leading his team to a gold medal. Sotto registered 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in an 83–62 win over Malaysia in the final.[53] In April 2018, he represented the Philippines at the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship in Foshan, China, where he led his team to fourth place. Sotto averaged 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game and was named to the tournament's Mythical First Team.[54] He recorded 28 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks in a quarterfinal win over Japan, before recording 26 points, 21 rebounds and six blocks in a semifinal loss to China.[55] He led the event in rebounds and blocks per game, as well as player efficiency rating (21.5).[56] Sotto played for the Philippines at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Argentina, where he averaged 16.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. He led his team to 13th place, its best finish at the event. In a classification game win over Egypt, he had his best performance at the tournament, tallying 28 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks.[57] Sotto represented the Philippines at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Heraklion, Greece, where his team finished in 14th place. He averaged 11.7 points and 7.9 rebounds, while tying with Ibou Badji for a tournament-high 3.1 blocks per game.[58]

Senior national team

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Sotto was supposed to make a debut with the senior national team at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in early 2021 and went to the Philippines. However, due to logistical issues and abrupt hosting changes for the qualifiers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sotto had to return the United States to rejoin Ignite.[27]

On June 16, 2021, Sotto made it to the final 12 man lineup at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.[59] The following year, he played in the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.[60]

Sotto was included in the 21-man pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup,[61] where he was eventually included in the final 12-man lineup.[62]

Career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game     Led the league

NBL

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021–22 Adelaide 23 2 15.3 .508 .385 .687 4.5 0.5 0.3 0.8 7.5
2022–23 Adelaide 27 13 12.9 .514 .222 .708 4.5 0.4 0.1 0.8 6.8

B. League

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2022–23 Hiroshima 24 19 19.1 .518 .111 .755 6.0 1.4 0.5 1.3 8.9
2023–24 Yokohama 34 24 20.4 .577 .300 .712 6.4 0.5 0.3 1.1 12.8

Personal life

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His father, Ervin Sotto, and his godfather, Ranidel de Ocampo, played basketball professionally in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).[63] Ervin Sotto stands 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) and Pamela Sotto stands 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m). He has two siblings.[64]

In July 2024, Sotto was hospitalized to have his injured ribs x-rayed after the second quarter of Gilas Pilipinas’ loss to Georgia.[65]

Awards and accomplishments

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UAAP

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Australian National Basketball League

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Philippine national team

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References

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  1. ^ "カイ・ソット". B.LEAGUE(Bリーグ)公式サイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 12, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  2. ^ "Over the years, these giants raised hope for Philippine basketball". Spin.ph. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  3. ^ Philippines' tallest guy falls in love | Make Your Day, retrieved March 30, 2023
  4. ^ "Siya na ba ang pinakamatangkad na lalaki sa bansa?". ABS-CBN News. April 29, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Celis, Beth (April 30, 2016). "Bright future ahead for Kai". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  6. ^ PANALIGA, MARISSE (March 28, 2019). "Kai Sotto wants to have Joel Embiid's game, Tim Duncan's character". GMA News Online. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  7. ^ Norman Riego (March 15, 2017). "Sotto family's move northward bears fruit as 6'11" Kai now rising in Katipunan". ABS-CBN Sports. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  8. ^ Li, Matthew (April 2, 2021). "Kai Sotto gets high school diploma from Miami School". Tiebreaker Times. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  9. ^ Leongson, Randolph (April 2, 2021). "Kai Sotto graduates high school in Ohio". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Archived from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  10. ^ Riego, Normie (April 23, 2021). "From Jr. NBA to the NBL: A timeline of Kai Sotto's basketball journey". ESPN Philippines. Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  11. ^ Terrado, Ruben (February 23, 2017). "Rookie of the Year award proof Kai Sotto on the right track in his development". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  12. ^ Isaga, J. R. (March 2, 2018). "Finals MVP Kai Sotto 'the happiest man in the Philippines' after Ateneo's title win". Rappler. Archived from the original on April 2, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  13. ^ Terrado, Reuben (February 27, 2018). "Sotto, Belangel, Ildefonso, Gonzales join CJ Cansino in UAAP Season 80 Jrs Mythical Five". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  14. ^ Naredo, Camille. "Ateneo's Kai Sotto is UAAP juniors MVP". news.abs-cbn.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
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  17. ^ Marquez, CJ (February 23, 2019). "UAAP: National University captures juniors basketball title after sweeping Ateneo". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  18. ^ Anolin, Jan Carlo (November 10, 2019). "Kai Sotto commits to Atlanta-based basketball org, posts double-double in debut game". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on April 14, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
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  20. ^ Giongco, Mark (January 22, 2020). "Kai Sotto wins MVP in Atlanta tournament". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 2, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  21. ^ "2020 NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam, Davis Bertāns, Tacko Fall and Lauri Markkanen to coach top international prospects at sixth annual Basketball Without Borders Global Camp". pr.nba.com. February 7, 2020. Archived from the original on March 10, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  22. ^ Rush, Joel. "Kai Sotto Striving To Fulfill His Dream Of Becoming The Philippines' First Homegrown NBA Player". forbes.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  23. ^ Morales, Luisa (January 24, 2020). "Kai Sotto ranked 68th, tagged as four-star recruit in ESPN US class of 2020". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  24. ^ Jiwani, Rory (February 5, 2020). "Top colleges fight over Filipino basketball prodigy Kai Sotto". Olympic Channel. Archived from the original on May 8, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  25. ^ a b "Top International Prospect Kai Sotto Signs With NBA G League". gleague.nba.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  26. ^ Lozada, Bong (May 15, 2020). "Kai Sotto G League deal worth $200K—report". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  27. ^ a b Morales, Luisa (February 14, 2021). "Ignite coach Brian Shaw tempers expectations ahead of Kai Sotto's US return". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  28. ^ Giongco, Mark (February 23, 2021). "NBA says Kai Sotto will no longer rejoin Ignite in G League bubble". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Archived from the original on February 23, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  29. ^ Li, Matthew (April 5, 2021). "Is Overtime Elite next for Kai Sotto?". Tiebreaker Times. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  30. ^ Li, Matthew (April 21, 2021). "No hard feelings for Kai after being declared ineligible for 2021 NBA Draft". Tiebreaker Times. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  31. ^ "Adelaide 36ers secure Kai Sotto for NBL22". NBL.com.au. April 21, 2021. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  32. ^ "Kai Sotto joining Adelaide 36ers of Australia's NBL on multi-year deal". ESPN.com. April 21, 2021. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  33. ^ John Bryan Ulanday (January 30, 2022). "Kai Sotto, Adelaide 36ers upset reigning champions Melbourne United, 88–83". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on January 30, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  34. ^ "Kai Sotto declares for 2022 NBA Draft". Inquirer.net. April 28, 2022. Archived from the original on April 28, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  35. ^ "Kai Sotto's NBA draft quest falls short as teams pass on the Filipino prospect". ESPN. June 23, 2022. Archived from the original on June 24, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  36. ^ Morales, Luisa (July 29, 2022). "Kai Sotto returns to Adelaide 36ers in Australia's NBL". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  37. ^ Morales, Luisa (October 28, 2022). "Kai Sotto posts season-high but Adelaide 36ers lose to Breakers". philstar.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  38. ^ Mendoza, Martin (January 8, 2023). "Kai Sotto ties season-high 16, but Adelaide suffers heartbreaker to NZ". rappler.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  39. ^ "Kai Sotto leaves Adelaide as 'new opportunity' awaits". RAPPLER. February 5, 2023. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  40. ^ Agcaoili, Lance (February 7, 2023). "Kai Sotto signs with Japan B.League's Hiroshima". sports.inquirer.net. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  41. ^ "Hiroshima just a pitstop as Kai Sotto prepares for NBA Summer League". Spin.ph. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  42. ^ Mendoza, Martin (March 18, 2023). "Kai Sotto dominates anew as Hiroshima rips Ibaraki for back-to-back wins". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  43. ^ Morales, Luisa (May 24, 2023). "Kai Sotto signs extension with Hiroshima even as he chases NBA dream". Spin.ph. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  44. ^ Agcaoili, Lance (May 24, 2023). "Kai Sotto signs extension with Hiroshima Dragonflies in B.League". sports.inquirer.net. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  45. ^ Sayson, Homer D. (June 23, 2023). "Kai Sotto to play for Orlando Magic's NBA Summer League team, says agent". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  46. ^ Li, Matthew (July 13, 2023). "NBA: Kai Sotto benched for third straight game as Orlando bows to NY in OT". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  47. ^ Li, Matthew (July 14, 2023). "Kai Sotto makes most of NBA Summer League minutes in Orlando debut". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  48. ^ Li, Matthew (July 16, 2023). "Back injury mars Kai Sotto's NBA Summer League finale". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  49. ^ "カイ・ソット選手 期限付移籍加入のお知らせ" [Announcement of player Kai Sotto joining on loan transfer]. b-corsairs.com (in Japanese). December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  50. ^ Mantaring, Jelo Ritzhie (December 28, 2023). "Kai Sotto temporarily transfers to Yokohama B-Corsairs at Japan B.League". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  51. ^ "B.LEAGUE: Kai Sotto scores career-high in big Yokohama win". onesports.ph. February 11, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  52. ^ "Kai Sotto's big game in Koshigaya win dampened by ankle injury". spin.ph. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  53. ^ Naredo, Camille B. (May 18, 2017). "Kai Sotto relishes first international basketball experience". ABS-CBN Corporation. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  54. ^ "Sotto, Sun and Wigness lead the FIBA U16 Asian Championship Mythical Teams". FIBA. April 10, 2018. Archived from the original on April 11, 2018. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  55. ^ Sarmenta, Yoyo (April 8, 2018). "Kai Sotto is most efficient player in FIBA U16 Asian Championship". ESPN. Archived from the original on August 17, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  56. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (April 9, 2018). "Kai Sotto leads FIBA Asia U16 in 3 departments". Rappler. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  57. ^ Sarmenta, Yoyo (July 7, 2018). "Sotto powers Batang Gilas to first win in FIBA U17 World Cup". ESPN. Archived from the original on August 2, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  58. ^ Isaga, JR (July 8, 2019). "Kai Sotto finishes as top U19 blocker, Dave Ildefonso 9th in scoring". Rappler. Archived from the original on March 20, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  59. ^ "Kai Sotto makes final 12 for Gilas' game vs. Korea". ESPN.com. June 15, 2021. Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  60. ^ Terrado, Reuben (September 3, 2022). "Cone sees similarities between Kai Sotto and Wang Zhizhi". Spin.ph. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  61. ^ Terrado, Reuben (June 6, 2023). "Clarkson, Brownlee, Kouame head 21-man Gilas pool for World Cup". spin.ph. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  62. ^ Ventura, Sid (August 23, 2023). "Gilas Pilipinas confirm final 12 for FIBA World Cup". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  63. ^ Terrado, Jonas (March 27, 2019). "Kai off to US on a quest to make it to the NBA". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  64. ^ Snow Badua (April 11, 2016). "Kai Sotto, 13 and already 6-foot-9, dreams of making it to NBA, idolizes Kevin Garnett". Spin.ph. Archived from the original on May 19, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  65. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (July 5, 2024). "Kai Sotto hurt ahead of Gilas Pilipinas' Olympic bid semis". Rappler. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
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