Despite the tremendous noise and pressure, he feels blessed to be in his current situation.
Kai Sotto has yet to play a single second in the NBA Summer League. As expected, the 21-year-old center’s countless supporters have grown exasperated by the bench treatment from Orlando Magic Summer League coach Dylan Murphy. But as for Sotto himself, his feelings toward the Florida-based franchise and the whole process remain totally positive.
In an interview with NBA Philippines, which was most likely taped before the Magic's loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, the 7-foot-3 beanpole revealed in detail the experience he’s been having so far being a part of an NBA team that’s competing in the preseason showcase.
“[I’m] surrounded by really good guys, coaches. So, it’s been a fun experience so far,” the young NBA hopeful said.
Of course, Sotto wants to reciprocate that great experience provided to him by the Magic by proving his worth to the shot-callers on the sidelines.
“I’m just trying to show the coaches that I’m a good teammate, a good player. I’ll be ready whenever they call my name. I’ll be a positive guy on the corner, on the bench,” the Gilas Pilipinas big man stated.
While Kaiju’s number has yet to be called by Coach Dylan, the Japan B.League Asian import’s main focus is to gather as much useful information as he can from his stint in the Las Vegas tournament.
“I’m just like a sponge. I’m just trying to learn from everybody, from all the things that’s happening to us,” Sotto explained.
Amid the enormous task of reaching for his NBA dream, Kai continues to see the big picture, which involves his responsibility as a basketball star representing an entire nation.
“I feel like everywhere I go, I represent the Philippines, so I just have to be aware of my actions. And as I said, here in the Summer League, I just got to put in the work, and stay ready when the coach calls my name,” Kai stressed.
Sotto can appease his fans on Thursday morning should he get a chance to play in the NBA Summer League matchup between the Magic and the New York Knicks.
(GM)