Kai Zachary Sotto remained focused in training in an effort to blend in with his G League teammates who are among the top rookie prospects in the 2021 National Basketball Association Draft.
The NBA G League Team for Elite Prospects will soon go into training, with the 7'2” Sotto getting ready to scrimmage with his new teammates Jalen Green, Daishen Nix and Isaiah Todd, who are seen as among the first-round draft choices for next season.
“He (Sotto) is back to his usual workout routine and getting ready to report to the G League Team for Elite Prospects,” said Sotto's handlers from the Atlanta-based East West Private.
The 18-year-old Sotto is being compared to the 7'2” Alexis Ajinca, who played in four NBA teams from 2008 to 2018. Ajinca, who is as tall as Sotto, is a Frenchman, who last saw action for the New Orleans Pelicans. He was the 20th overall pick in the NBA Rookie Draft back in 2008.
“I will be playing with some of the very best and I will have even more resources and support,” said Sotto in an online message.
One of the top recruits, Green has received offers from well-known NCAA teams such as Auburn, Fresno State, Memphis, Oregon and USC, but opted to join the G League instead.
The Fil-Am Green is reportedly now ranked no. 2 the 2021 NBA Draft, down from no. 1 with the inclusion of now looming 2021 class leader 6'6” guard Cade Cunningham in the mix.
Sotto is in the same agency with Green. His other teammates, Nix and Todd, are ranked 20th and 24th respectively.
The 6'4” Nix is described by scouts as a pass-first guard.
Todd, is a 6'10” power forward with “silky smooth” moves on the court.
NBA G League president Shareef Abdur Raheem said there are many players who have the talent, but only few have the qualities that they are looking for in developing a player.
And Sotto has the qualities that they have in mind, added Raheem in an online video statement provided by NBA Philippines.