ON THE RISE si Kai Sotto ngayon

Summary

Kai Sotto, a rising star in both Japan's B.League and the Philippines' national basketball team, has shown impressive growth in his game. With a season of double-digit scoring and increased playing time, Sotto’s shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, has drastically improved. His experience in international leagues like the NBL in Australia and the B.League has honed his skills, especially in competing against top-tier imports and former NBA players. Sotto’s impact on Gilas Pilipinas has been undeniable, helping lead the team with standout performances in international tournaments, positioning him as a key player with immense potential for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kai Soto's performance is consistently improving both in the National Team (Gilas Pilipinas) and his professional career in Japan with Koshigaya Alpas.
• 😀 In his current season, Kai Soto has achieved double-digit scoring in 17 games, demonstrating a strong improvement in his scoring and rebounds.
• 😀 After playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the second window, Soto had some of his best performances, scoring 24 and 25 points in his last four games.
• 😀 Soto has significantly improved his three-point shooting, making 44% of his attempts and having more attempts in 17 games than in his first two seasons combined.
• 😀 His development is supported by Koshigaya Alpas, a team in Japan's B1 league, which gives him plenty of opportunities to grow and gain significant playing time.
• 😀 Kai Soto's current success is rooted in his previous professional experience in Australia, where he competed in one of the top basketball leagues in the world.
• 😀 At just 22 years old, Soto is gaining valuable experience playing against seasoned professionals, including ex-NBA players in Japan's league.
• 😀 Japan's professional league, B.LEAGUE, is highly regarded in Asia and is known for its openness to foreign players and coaches, which benefits Soto's growth.
• 😀 Soto's experience with Gilas Pilipinas has played a significant role in his development, making him a crucial player for the national team, especially in tournaments like the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
• 😀 Kai Soto is considered one of the top young talents in Filipino basketball, with a high basketball IQ and the ability to play various roles, making him a valuable asset for both his club and the national team.

Q & A

What is the current status of Kai Soto's basketball career?

Kai Soto is experiencing significant growth in his career, both with the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, and his professional career in Japan with Koshigaya Alpas. He has shown noticeable improvement in his game, particularly in scoring and rebounding, and has had a strong performance in both leagues.

How has Kai Soto's performance been with Koshigaya Alpas this season?

This season, Kai Soto has performed exceptionally well with Koshigaya Alpas, scoring double digits in 17 games and maintaining a high shooting accuracy, particularly with three-pointers. His confidence has grown, and he's been given more freedom to play his game, allowing him to shine.

What is significant about Kai Soto's three-point shooting in Japan?

Kai Soto has been allowed more opportunities to shoot three-pointers in Japan, and he has capitalized on these chances, shooting 44% from beyond the arc. This is a marked improvement compared to his previous seasons, showcasing his growing versatility as a player.

How has playing in Japan influenced Kai Soto's development?

Playing in Japan has significantly benefited Kai Soto’s development. The Japanese professional league allows more opportunities for international players, offering a competitive environment against veteran imports and ex-NBA players. This experience is crucial in honing his skills and preparing him for future international competitions.

How does the Japanese professional league compare to other leagues like the PBA?

The Japanese B.League is seen as one of the best in Asia, with a high level of competition and better financial rewards compared to other leagues like the PBA. Additionally, the B.League is more open to foreign players, which enriches the overall quality of the game.

What role did Kai Soto play for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers?

In the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, Kai Soto was a key contributor for the Philippines, averaging 15 points and 12 rebounds per game, recording double-doubles in all of his games. He was instrumental in the team’s success, ranking highly in rebounds and blocks during the tournament.

How impactful was Kai Soto in the Philippines' game against New Zealand?

Kai Soto was crucial in the game against New Zealand, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. He played almost a triple-double performance, which helped change the dynamics of the game. His absence would have significantly altered the outcome of that match.

What is Kai Soto’s role in Coach Tim Cone’s system for the Philippine team?

Kai Soto is a key player in Coach Tim Cone's system due to his high basketball IQ and versatility. His ability to play multiple positions, especially as a big man, allows him to contribute on both ends of the floor, making him an invaluable asset for Gilas Pilipinas.

What improvements have been seen in Kai Soto's game in terms of shooting?

Kai Soto has shown significant improvement in his outside shooting, particularly his three-point shooting. This development is an important aspect of his growth as a player, making him a more well-rounded offensive threat.

What is the future outlook for Kai Soto in professional basketball?

Kai Soto’s future looks very promising. At just 22 years old, he is entering his prime, and his continued development both in Japan and with the Philippine national team suggests a bright future. His growing skill set, particularly in shooting and versatility, positions him for continued success in professional basketball.