NBA G-League’s Filipino star Kai Sotto hopes to replicate Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin popularity in China
- The 18-year-old centre reminisces over China visits and watching tape of Yao Ming and Lin
- Sotto went from playing against construction workers in the Philippines to proving that Asians can play at NBA level
Highly touted Filipino youngster Kai Sotto aspires to be as popular as Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin are in China – but knows there is a lot more to prove and a long way to go.
“Hopefully, I can experience the same thing that Kobe experienced in time. I’m excited to come visit and play again,” the 18-year-old told the Post via video call, adding that China was the first country he had travelled to outside the Philippines.
“Basketball is a religion in the Philippines. Growing up and stepping on the court to play against tricycle drivers and construction workers – with no shoes on, just a hoop and ball and a bit of fun. That’s what I think of every time I step onto the court,” he said.
Sotto fondly recalled visiting China multiple times in his early teens and has, in return, decided to carry it over his shoulder as he continues his ascent to becoming the first-full blooded Filipino to reach the NBA.
“I had great memories there when I was 12, 13 – it was the first time out of my country. We were there for the Junior NBA and played against Chinese teams and others from Southeast Asia. It’s evident that both countries really love basketball,” said the 7-foot-2 (2.18m) centre, who won gold at the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) U-16 championship in 2017.
“I’m more than happy to get support from the people out there. It gives me more fuel and energy to keep working harder to represent Asia and make them proud.”
Nonetheless, Sotto is steadily building a fan base through Chinese basketball digital platform Muho TV – which has been growing at a rate of “130 per cent per month”, according to his team.
“I haven’t really watched Jeremy Lin playing in China but I remember watching his [New York Knicks] highlights when I was a little younger, when he was in the ‘Linsanity’ era. It was really cool at the time,” Sotto said, smiling when asked if fans should expect a moment of ‘Kaisanity’ should he cement a place in basketball’s biggest league.
“Yeah, of course, but it depends on the future. Hopefully, I’ll play as good as how Lin played in those times. I’ll keep working hard to do the same thing he did. Hopefully, I can play with or against him, too.”
As for the healthy conveyor belt of fledgling basketball talent coming from the Philippines, Sotto said that playing neighbouring leagues such as the Chinese Basketball Association (where Lin currently plays) would be “almost a no-brainer” should the chance arise. “It’s a great opportunity and they have great competition.”
One Chinese player that Sotto draws inspiration from is retired Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming. Coincidentally, Yao is the same age as Sotto’s father, Ervin, a former pro and instrumental in his towering son’s technical prowess.
“The big guys I look up to are Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, Pau Gasol, Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis. To see their skills partnered up with their basketball IQ is great. You can easily see how great they are and how hard they work on and off the court,” he said.
“It’s important [for centres to be able to shoot], especially now in the NBA. Everybody’s pretty much phased out so if you can’t shoot the three, some teams will disrespect you and won’t guard you – show you that you can’t shoot. It’s a thing I’ve been working on.”
“Yeah, of course. But it always depends on the player and how they look at the future; whether they will work for their dreams. The same thing goes from players from here, it depends on if they’re willing to sacrifice. It’s the same goal for everybody,” he said.
