Kai Sotto to pursue overseas offer after Adelaide's elimination in NBL

Filipino big man Kai Sotto is heading to another country.

The Adelaide 36ers of the Australian NBL made the announcement on Sunday, citing it was Sotto's next move in his journey to make it to the NBA.

“A new opportunity for me is really good and another opportunity for me to play basketball, I’m excited,” Sotto said, according to the 36ers' website.

“I didn’t want to spend a lot of time not playing, I’m lucky I’ve been offered this deal.”

Sotto said he has gotten better since joining the 36ers in 2021.

“Every season here (in Adelaide) I’ve got better and I’ll just keep on going from there,” Sotto said.

In a post, Sotto also thanked Adelaide for his two-season stint.

"I am so grateful for the two unforgettable years in the city of Adelaide! It had its ups and downs, but I'm sure 36ers community will always be part of my life and I'll miss this place. I appreciate all my brothers that I got to share the court with. Thank you Adelaide," Sotto wrote in his post.

Sixers coach CJ Bruton is supportive of Sotto's decision to play in another country.

“It’s all about taking the next step for Kai and he will continue to grow as basketballer,” Bruton said

In his stay with the Sixers, Sotto averaged 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Sotto previously threw his hat in the NBA Draft but was not called during Draft Day, with Paolo Banchero being the top pick.

Earlier, the Sixers were eliminated from contention in the NBL season after a loss against Melbourne United, 116-107.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News