Second Overtime: Kai Sotto: It will take time but this NBA dream is close to reality
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 17 Feb 2020
CHICAGO -- Many have tried. None were taken.
Seeing a full-blooded Filipino make it to the NBA is a national aspiration for a basketball-crazy country like the Philippines.
As if bound by civic duty, we've hoped and prayed that we will see a brown brother out there frolicking with the world's greatest athletes.
But from Japeth Aguilar to Kobe Paras to Kiefer Ravena, we've all ended up picking the scabs of frustration as we wonder if the longing would ever end.
And then Kai Sotto comes along.
He is by far the best chance we've got of finally having an NBA player whom we can rally behind as a nation while soaking in the collective pride that, yes, a Filipino can play basketball at the highest level.
Kai has more assets than a bank. He is 7-foot-1 long, a nimble big who can run and space the floor. His body can use a little more pounds to withstand physical play while his speed and quickness need more volume.
The author with Kai Sotto at the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Camp. Other images show Sotto in action. (Photos by Japheth Bandi).
But he is only 17 years young. Time will allow him to work on those things.
In an era of instant gratification, the urge is to watch him go to the NBA soon but this is a process that will require sure but slow and gentle steps. Be patient, pump the brakes a little bid.
Let this kid grow.
Meanwhile, enjoy watching the journey he makes.
It will be one heck of a ride.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
USA Boxing Announces 2025 World Boxing Championships Roster
Fri, 08 Aug 2025Adrien Broner Hints at Comeback, Pledges 3-5 More Years to Boxing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 08 Aug 2025Heavyweight Jamar Talley falls short in opening bout of 2023 Santiago Pan American Games
Fri, 08 Aug 2025Milo Marathon in Tagum on September 7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 08 Aug 2025Former Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion, Riddick Bowe Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Fri, 08 Aug 2025Gaballo and Laurente to Co-Headline Sanman Boxing Event in Gensan
Thu, 07 Aug 2025Paulo Salud and His POWer Punches
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Thu, 07 Aug 2025Jamaine Ortiz Eager to Face Steve Claggett in Co-Main Event of MVP Fight Night on DAZN
Thu, 07 Aug 2025Happy 53rd Birthday to the One and Only Gerry Peñalosa!!!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 07 Aug 2025FLORIDA POOL OPEN DAY TWO: GORST FALLS TO ATENCIO AS CHUA, YAPP, AND DUONG CRUISE INTO LAST 64
Thu, 07 Aug 2025128 chess players officially registered for Touchmove
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 07 Aug 2025Japanese Rule of the Lower Weights Under Challenge by Pinoy, Latino Boxers
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 07 Aug 2025September 6: Former World Champion Oscar Valdez Faces Ricky "El Castigo" Medina in Mexican Homecoming at Domo Binacional in Nogales
Thu, 07 Aug 2025Former World Champion & U. S. Olympian Sadam Ali to headline “The Return” on August 31 in Detroit
Thu, 07 Aug 2025"Pitbull" Cruz receives his WBC Belt in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 06 Aug 2025