I remember watching Kai Sotto's development over the years with great interest, having followed international basketball prospects for nearly a decade now. When the 2020 NBA Draft approached, the buzz around this 7'2" Filipino center was impossible to ignore, though his path proved far more complex than anyone anticipated. His journey reminds me of something I once heard from volleyball coach Pablo - that sometimes you need to focus on working with the pieces you have rather than searching for those who aren't there with you. This philosophy perfectly captures Sotto's unconventional approach to reaching the NBA.
The numbers told an interesting story - Sotto was one of only 13 international players who declared for the 2020 draft without college experience, and at just 18 years old, he represented the growing trend of prospects taking alternative routes. Rather than following the traditional NCAA path that produced roughly 75% of NBA draftees in recent years, Sotto chose the G League Ignite program, which offered him a reported $125,000 salary plus development opportunities. I've always admired players who carve their own paths, and Sotto's decision showed remarkable confidence in his development trajectory. His choice reflected that Pablo philosophy - using the resources immediately available rather than waiting for perfect circumstances.
What struck me most was how Sotto's journey mirrored the shifting landscape of player development. The NBA's global reach has expanded dramatically, with international players comprising nearly 25% of opening-night rosters in the 2019-2020 season. Still, the transition proved challenging. Sotto faced unique obstacles, from the pandemic disrupting his training schedule to adjusting to the physicality of American basketball. Having spoken with several international prospects over the years, I can attest that cultural adaptation often proves as difficult as athletic development. Sotto's experience highlighted the importance of building around existing strengths rather than trying to completely reinvent his game.
The draft night outcome - going undrafted despite projections placing him as a potential second-round pick - surprised many observers, myself included. But here's where that Pablo wisdom truly resonates. Instead of viewing this as a failure, Sotto continued developing with what he had, eventually signing with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia's NBL, which has become a legitimate pathway to the NBA for several prospects. His averages of 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in his first NBL season showed steady progress. Personally, I believe his long-term potential remains significant, and his persistence exemplifies the mindset of working with available opportunities rather than lamenting missed ones.
Looking back, Sotto's journey teaches us valuable lessons about modern player development. The traditional paths are evolving, and success increasingly depends on adapting to circumstances rather than rigidly following established routes. His story continues to unfold, but the 2020 draft process marked a crucial chapter in understanding how international prospects navigate the complex road to the NBA. Sometimes the pieces you have are exactly what you need to build something remarkable.