It's not just Justin Brownlee. Even Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone believes Kai Sotto can make it to the NBA.
It's not just Justin Brownlee. The entirety of Gilas Pilipinas believes Kai Sotto can reach the NBA, if coach Tim Cone has anything to say about it.
"We still think collectively, as a group, the staff, players, teammates, that he needs to be and should be in the NBA. Just no doubt in our minds," Cone told One PH's Power & Play.
Kai Sotto continues to impress in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, as he remains the leader in double-doubles with 15.5 points per game and 12.5 rebounds per game.
Not to mention having seven assists against New Zealand.
His standout performance though isn't a surprise for Cone and the rest of Sotto's teammates.
"He's meeting immediate expectations, but he's only scratching the surface of where he can go, what he can do," Cone said.
[ALSO READ: Kai Sotto is NBA ready, says Gilas Pilipinas teammate Justin Brownlee]
Coach Tim has some idea of the NBA-level of play, having been Miami Heat tactician Erik Spoelstra's assistant during the Summer League.
Sotto has had a taste of it as well, having played limited minutes for the Orlando Magic in the Summer League. But he was not selected in the 2022 NBA draft.
"Oftentimes , it's the opportunity. Oftentimes, it's the system, how he's used, where he could fit," Cone ceded. "But on the skill level, there's no doubt that he can play in the NBA."
The Gilas coach has sang Kai's praises over the past few months, declaring how Kaiju can even dominate Asia.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone pays Kai Sotto ultimate compliment: ‘He is going to dominate Asia’]
He explains it's how he's playing the 7-foot-3 Sotto as a wing player instead of a center--thanks to having June Mar Fajardo at the post.
"He's a 7-foot-3 wing," Cone emphasized. "How many 7-foot-3 wings are out there in the world? This kid is 7-foot-3 and that just goes to how skilled he is. He's getting seven assists against New Zealand--a top [22] world ranked team. We just feel he's scratching the surface."
[ALSO READ: 'He's doing it all': Kai Sotto stars in Gilas Pilipinas' breakthrough win vs. New Zealand]
So will we see Sotto declaring for the 2025 draft?
"I just think we need to be patient and enjoy the ride of watching his journey," Cone said.