Let me walk you through what I’ve learned following Kai Sotto’s journey toward the NBA Draft 2022—because honestly, it’s been a wild ride. I remember first hearing his name years ago, this lanky kid from the Philippines with a dream bigger than the islands themselves. Fast forward to now, and he’s one of the most talked-about international prospects, even if he went undrafted this year. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering: what’s next for him, and how do you even assess his chances realistically? Well, I’ve broken it down step by step, drawing from everything I’ve watched, read, and analyzed.

First, let’s talk about evaluating his current standing. Kai Sotto stands at 7’2”, and his height alone turns heads. But height doesn’t automatically mean NBA-ready—I’ve seen plenty of tall players struggle to adapt. What sets Kai apart, in my view, is his agility for someone that tall and his improving outside shot. I watched some of his games in Australia’s NBL, and while his stats weren’t eye-popping—around 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game—you could see flashes of potential. He moves well in pick-and-roll situations and has a soft touch near the rim. But here’s the thing: his defensive timing and physicality need work. He’s not yet the rim protector some hoped for, and against stronger big men, he can get pushed around. So step one in understanding his prospects is to look beyond the hype and focus on specific skills: footwork, shooting consistency, and defensive awareness. I’d recommend watching his full-game highlights, not just the mixtapes, to get a balanced view.

Next, consider the context of his development path. Kai took a road less traveled—skipping U.S. college to play professionally overseas. I actually admire that move; it shows confidence, but it also comes with risks. In the NBL and other leagues, he faced grown men, which accelerated his physical and mental growth, but it also meant inconsistent minutes. For instance, in the 2021-22 season, he logged about 15 minutes per game on average, which isn’t enough to dominate stat sheets. Now, this is where the grassroots development angle comes in. Remember that quote from PTTF president Ting Ledesma? He said, "The future is bright for our national team as it is now reaping the fruits of the PTTF’s grassroots program. We look forward to competing in more competitions that will further develop our young players." That resonates with me because Kai is a product of that system. The Philippines has invested in youth basketball, and it’s paying off with talents like him. But as a fan, I worry that the pressure to represent the country might weigh too heavily on his shoulders. My advice: track his participation in international events, like the FIBA Asia Cup, where he can showcase improvements against varied competition.

Now, onto the practical side: what can Kai do to boost his NBA chances post-draft? Since he wasn’t selected in 2022, the path isn’t over—it’s just different. I’d suggest focusing on G League opportunities or two-way contracts, which offer a direct pipeline to the NBA. From my research, players like him often thrive there by refining their skills without the intense spotlight. For example, he could aim for 10-12 points and 6-7 rebounds per game in the G League to attract attention. Also, strength training is non-negotiable. I’ve read that adding 10-15 pounds of muscle could drastically improve his post defense and rebounding. And don’t forget the mental game—staying patient. I’ve seen too many prospects rush and burn out. Kai’s youth (he’s only 20!) is an asset; he has time to develop, much like other international stars who took years to break through.

Wrapping this up, Kai Sotto’s NBA Draft 2022 journey might not have ended with a selection, but it’s far from a failure. In my opinion, his story is just beginning. Reflecting on Ledesma’s words, the grassroots support and parental dedication—like those parents traveling to Jakarta—highlight the community behind him. That’s something special; it’s not just about one player but a nation’s hope. So, if you’re following his path, stay optimistic but realistic. Keep an eye on his offseason moves, and maybe, like me, you’ll see him defy the odds soon. After all, the NBA loves a good underdog story, and Kai Sotto’s journey has all the makings of one.