As far as Justin Brownlee is concerned, there’s no doubt that Kai Sotto has what it takes to play in the NBA.
None other than Justin Brownlee himself thinks that his Gilas Pilipinas teammate in Kai Sotto is NBA-ready at this point in time.
Brownlee said so after seeing Kai drop a near triple-double in the Philippines' 93-89 win over New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
“I feel like he is good enough to play in the NBA, in my true honest opinion,” Brownlee said of Sotto as Gilas improved to 3-0 in Group B play.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas scores first win vs. New Zealand, closes in on FIBA Asia Cup 2025 berth]
While Brownlee’s team-high 26 points proved pivotal in the Gilas' first win against the Tall Blacks in five tries, Sotto certainly inflicted heavy damage against world no. 22 squad in a variety of ways.
The resident Ginebra import witnessed up close how the 7-foot-3 giant dominated New Zealand to the tune of 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks.
[ALSO READ: 'He's doing it all': Kai Sotto stars in Gilas Pilipinas' breakthrough win vs. New Zealand]
Furthermore, Brownlee marveled on what Sotto can bring to the table given the wealth of international experience he already has at just 22 years old.
Sotto is on his fourth season as a pro, currently playing for the Koshiaya Alphas in Japan's B.LEAGUE after initially playing for the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's NBL.
“Of course, he got the height, the size, and the skills and he improved so much that for me it’s just great to see,” the three-time PBA Best Import raved.
[ALSO READ: Led by 7'3" Kai Sotto, Gilas Pilipinas can now go big and not go home]
The six-time PBA champion also believes that sky is the limit for Sotto, who is attempting to be the first full-grown Pinoy to play in the NBA.
“He has a long way to go, he’s only early 20s. I’m happy for his progression and I’m excited to see what the future holds for him," Brownlee bared.
[ALSO READ: Unbeaten Gilas Pilipinas target another window sweep | FIBA standings]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros/One Sports)