Kai Sotto leaned on family's support after Ignite exit

Kai Sotto admitted that his exit from the NBA G League select team Ignite was 'a little tough,' but he was able to weather it thanks to the support of his family.

"After that, I was really happy that the group of people around me helped me to stay in my path, be focused, because if it were other players, they might have given up because of the challenges and problems," Sotto said in Filipino during an interview organized by Smart on Wednesday.

Sotto said his family helped him during those times, with a special mention to his mother Pamela.

"My family, particularly my mom, became more vocal in supporting me. My dad will always be there for me, but my mom gave me strength," Sotto shared.

Despite the exit, Sotto said he learned several lessons from his Ignite stint, particularly about professionalism.

"At first, I did not expect that I will learn that much, not only inside the court but also outside of it," he said. "But my biggest takeaway is how to be a professional."

Conner Henry, Adelaide 36ers head coach, believes Sotto's G League stint will help him as he moves to Australia's National Basketball League.

"He's got skill sets that are gonna continue to develop. He's played some at the G League level. He understands the pace, physicality of it, all of which translates to our club here in Adelaide and the NBL," Henry said.

Sotto signed with the Adelaide 36ers, as announced on Wednesday. He also reaffirmed his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas, and said he will play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers and the FIBA Asia Cup. —JMB, GMA News