Kai Soto. Photo from B.League
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto has signed a contract extension with the Hiroshima Dragonflies during the upcoming NBA Summer League.
Dragonfly on Wednesday announced that the 7-foot-3 player has agreed to stay with the team for the 2023-24 B.League season.
Sotto expressed his gratitude to the Japanese club, who considered him an imported Asian after two seasons with the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League.
But the 21-year-old midfielder revealed he will continue to pursue his NBA dreams by joining the upcoming Summer League.
“I am very grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity and I am delighted to have the opportunity to play in Japan next season,” Sotto said in a statement.
“The NBA is my biggest dream, so I will continue to train hard and challenge myself in the summer league in the US this summer,” he added.
Hiroshima general manager Shuji Okazaki said Sotto’s contract would be canceled if he went to the NBA.
“Kai has the option of signing with an NBA team, so if he signs with an NBA team this summer, it’s likely that his contract with Hiroshima will be cancelled,” the manager said. know.
The Dragonfly official expressed the team’s support for Sotto, who did not improve during last year’s NBA rookie recruitment, as he continues to work towards achieving his ultimate dream and chance to play for the United States. Gilas Pilipinas at the World Cup.
“We as a club are prepared with another option. Around September, we expect to officially announce Kai Sotto’s contract status. Not only training in the United States this summer, but also the World Cup this August and let’s all look forward to Kai Sotto’s performance and growth,” he said.
Sotto averaged 9.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 tackles and 1.4 assists in his first season with Hiroshima, ending with a 41-18 record for the season. prize before losing to the Chiba Jets in the quarterfinals.
Sotto vowed to devote himself to Hiroshima amid the “abnormalities” of his contract.
“Dear all Dragonfly fans, I know there may be some irregularities next season, but I will do my best in the given environment to be able to bring you some good news. See you soon!” he said.
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