Kai Sotto during practice for the NBA Sacramento Kings. –KINGS TWITTER
MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto trained with the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and met former Philippines men’s basketball coach Jimmy Alapag.
Kings posted highlights of their pre-draft exercises, including the 7-foot-3 Filipino center and other participants such as Jacob Gilyard, Fatts Russell, Yoan Makoundou, Karlo Matkovic and Yannick Nzosa
Sacramento holds the fourth overall pick as well as the 37th and 49th picks in the 2022 NBA Rookie Draft taking place on June 23 in Brooklyn.
Three weeks ago, Sports Illustrated predicted its mock draft that Sacramento will draft 20-year-old big man like the 49th pick.
a new day, a new group of prospects in the gym
️ Jacob Gilyard
⬛️ Fatts Russell
⬛️ Yoan Makoundou
️ Karlo Matkovic
⬛️ Yannick Nzosa
️ Kai SottoSee the full workout ➡️ https://t.co/RuuwKif5fk pic.twitter.com/wIysqrJnCV
– Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 16, 2022
Sotto, who is aiming to become the first Filipino to be transferred to the NBA, has attended some practice sessions with the New York Knicks, Orlando Magicand the Chicago Bulls in the past weeks.
The Adelaide 36ers center also met former PBA star Alapag, who now works as an assistant coach for Stockton KingsSacramento’s G League branch.
“The whole country and I are supporting you,” Alapag said of Sotto in an Instagram post.
Sotto is looking to make history as the first Filipino-born player to join the NBA. The Rookie Draft will take place on June 23 in Brooklyn.
Former guard Gilas Pilipinas is hoping that Sotto will make it up in the NBA.
“Great to see Kai here in Sacramento! Good luck on your journey to the NBA! The whole country and I are cheering for you!! Keep working!!, Alapag posted on his Instagram.
Sotto had an impressive run in the Australian National Basketball League, averaging 7.6 points on 51% of goals including 39% from deep, and had 4.5 rebounds and 0. 7 tackles in 15.2 minutes in 23 games.
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