2025-11-15 13:00

As I sit here watching the latest FIBA Asia Cup highlights, I can't help but wonder about Kai Sotto's NBA journey. The question on every Filipino basketball fan's mind right now is whether our 7'2" wonder will make the 2022 NBA Draft. Having followed his career since his high school days, I've seen this kid develop into something special, and honestly, I believe he's got a real shot this year.

The recent comments from PTTF president Ting Ledesma really struck a chord with me. When he mentioned that "the future is bright for our national team as it is now reaping the fruits of the PTTF's grassroots program," it made me reflect on how Kai represents exactly what that program can produce. I remember watching him in those early tournaments, and even then, you could see the raw talent that just needed proper nurturing. The fact that the PTTF is now focusing on developing young players through more competitions, as Ledesma emphasized, shows why someone like Kai could actually make the NBA draft this year.

Looking at his current stats and development, Kai has shown significant improvement in his game. Last season in the NBL, he averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just under 15 minutes per game. While these numbers might not jump off the page for some NBA scouts, what impressed me was his basketball IQ and how he's bulked up – he's added about 15 pounds of muscle since I first saw him play professionally. His shooting touch for a big man is something you can't teach, and at his size, that's exactly what NBA teams are looking for in today's game.

When we talk about potential teams that might take a chance on Kai in the 2022 NBA draft, a few come to mind immediately. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been collecting young talent and international players like they're going out of style. Their general manager Sam Presti has never been shy about taking calculated risks on raw talent. Then there's the San Antonio Spurs – Coach Pop has always had a soft spot for international players, and their development system is second to none. I'd personally love to see him with the Spurs because they'd nurture his talent properly rather than throwing him into the deep end immediately.

The Toronto Raptors make perfect sense too – they've had success with developing lengthy international big men, just look at what they did with Pascal Siakam. Their G-League affiliate would give Kai the perfect environment to adjust to the North American game without the pressure of immediate NBA expectations. Honestly, if I were making the decision, I'd steer him toward teams with strong player development programs rather than those looking for immediate contributors.

What really gives me hope about Kai's chances in this year's NBA draft are the intangible factors. The kid has handled the enormous pressure of being called "the next big thing" in Philippine basketball since he was 16 with remarkable poise. I've watched numerous interviews where he speaks about his journey, and his maturity level seems beyond his years. That mental toughness will serve him well when facing the challenges of transitioning to the NBA lifestyle and competition level.

There's also the business aspect that can't be ignored – drafting Kai would instantly give any team access to the massive Filipino basketball market. With over 110 million passionate basketball fans in the Philippines alone, the jersey sales and viewership bump could be significant. While purists might scoff at this consideration, the reality is that NBA teams absolutely factor in marketability when making draft decisions, especially in the second round.

I've had conversations with fellow basketball analysts who remain skeptical, pointing to his relatively modest production against top-level competition. But here's what they're missing – Kai's game has evolved significantly even in the past 12 months. His footwork in the post has improved, he's become more comfortable facing up, and his defensive positioning is much smarter. He's not just relying on his height anymore, which was a legitimate criticism early in his professional career.

The timing of the 2022 NBA draft might actually work in Kai's favor too. This isn't considered an exceptionally deep draft class, especially when it comes to traditional big men. Teams looking for a developmental project at the center position might see Kai as worth a second-round flyer. I'd project him going somewhere between picks 45-55 if he does get selected, though there's an outside chance a team falls in love with his potential and takes him earlier.

Reflecting back on Ledesma's comments about the grassroots program bearing fruit, I can't help but feel optimistic. The infrastructure that produced Kai is now firmly in place, and his success could pave the way for more Filipino talents to reach the NBA. The parents who supported these young players, like those mentioned in the Jakarta trip, are seeing their sacrifices potentially pay off in the biggest basketball stage imaginable.

At the end of the day, my heart says yes, he'll hear his name called during the 2022 NBA draft, but my head reminds me that nothing is guaranteed in this process. The combine performances and private workouts will be crucial. Still, having watched his journey from aspiring young player to professional athlete, I genuinely believe Kai Sotto has what it takes to overcome the odds and make Philippine basketball history. The real question isn't just whether he'll make the NBA draft 2022, but what he'll do once he gets there.