Gabe Norwood on PH's NBA dreams: ‘Hopefully Kai's the guy’

For a hoops-crazy country like the Philippines, it has been the ultimate dream to produce a homegrown Filipino player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and basketball star Gabe Norwood believes that dream will come true, sooner or later.

"I think it's just a matter of time. To be honest, the game is too global now for that kind of talent to fall through the cracks and things like that," Norwood said on "The Howie Severino Podcast”, the first original podcast from GMA News and Public Affairs.

The Rain or Shine player and veteran of the Philippine national men’s basketball team then dropped the one name who might be the answer to the country’s NBA prayers – Kai Sotto.

"You know Kai is making great leaps. Even before Kai, you look at Ray Parks, you look at Kobe Paras, you look at Kiefer [Ravena], you look at Japeth [Aguilar]. They all took their shot, you know what I mean?" Norwood narrated.

"I think those were all building blocks... hopefully Kai's the guy. He's there. He seems to be set up in the best situation to possibly be the first Filipino-born player in the league. But if it doesn't work out, it's another building block," he added.

Norwood believes that aside from the 7-foot-3 Sotto's height, he has other qualities that sets him apart, something that Gabe himself was able to observe when Sotto joined some of Gilas’ practices here.

"His basketball IQ really surprised me, to be honest," said Norwood.

"Counters, and where guys are gonna be open, where he could attack. So, you know, given his shooting touch and his potential of being a rim protector, his passing ability... but his IQ is a huge asset."

"And it all comes down to fit. Hopefully, a team sees him fit to what they need and he gets the opportunity," he added.

Sotto was formerly a part of the NBA G League select team Ignite, along with Fil-Am Jalen Green and other prospects. While he still isn’t eligible to join the 2021 NBA Draft, he will be playing for the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League next season. The 18-year-old big man prospect also reaffirmed his commitment to Gilas Pilipinas. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News