Kai Sotto keeps NBA dream alive; signs multi-year deal with Australian league

Kai Sotto takes another huge step in his bid to make it to the NBA.

The towering young center has just signed with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL).

The good news was confirmed today in a virtual press conference attended by Kai and his handlers.

“We are delighted to welcome Kai, both to the club and the City of Adelaide. Attracting a player of Kai's potential from Asia, and more recently the United States, to Adelaide will only enhance the club's reputation for identifying and developing elite basketball talent,” said Adelaide chairman Grant Kelley in a statement.

Adelaide general manager Jeff Van Groningen expressed excitement with this latest pick-up, citing Kai's talent and still untapped potential.

“Kai realizes that he has work ahead of him as all rookies do when coming in to this tough league, but his combination of height and developing skill-set give him every chance to raise his game. With hard work, his ceiling for growth is very high,” Van Groningen commented.

Kai will play for two seasons with the 36ers with an option for a third.

The 7-foot-3 teenager will be coached by Conner Henry, whose credentials include playing in the NBA in the '80s and coaching in the NBA G League and the Orlando Magic in the NBA.

Kai playing in the NBL is seen by many as a step in the right direction.

The league has been home to many elite prospects dreaming of making it to the NBA.

Many NBA players, past and present, have also played in the NBL including Luc Longley, Stephen Jackson, Andrew Bogut, and LaMelo Ball, among many others.

Speaking of the NBA, Kai's agent, Joel Bell, said during the press conference that Kai will be eligible for the 2022 NBA Rookie Draft.

Bell mentioned that several NBA teams expressed interest in Sotto for this year's draft.

His upcoming stint in the NBL can further boost Kai's value should he apply in the 2022 draft.

It was also announced during the press conference that Kai will be playing for the Philippine team as part of the Gilas Pilipinas in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in June and the Fiba Asia Cup.

Kai was also chosen as the new ambassador for the giant telecommunications company, Smart, and will be the face of a new campaign of the brand.