Watching Kai Sotto step onto the court for the Orlando Magic during the 2023 NBA Summer League felt like witnessing a pivotal moment not just for the player, but for Philippine basketball as a whole. I’ve followed his journey closely—from his early days in the Philippines to his stints overseas—and I genuinely believe his performance this summer was more revealing than many casual observers might think. Over four games, Sotto averaged 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just under 15 minutes per game. Now, those numbers might not jump off the stat sheet, but when you break down his impact, especially on defense, you start to see why there’s still a compelling case for his NBA potential.

Let’s be honest—Sotto didn’t dominate offensively, and his shooting percentage hovered around 45%, which is decent but not eye-catching for a big man. But here’s what stood out to me: his timing as a shot-blocker and his ability to alter shots without fouling. In the game against the Detroit Pistons, he recorded two blocks and altered at least three other attempts that don’t show up in the box score. At 7’3”, his length is an obvious asset, but it’s his improved footwork in pick-and-roll coverage that caught my attention. I remember one possession where he switched onto a guard, stayed in front of him, and forced a contested mid-range jumper. A couple of years ago, that might have been a blow-by. He’s clearly put in work, and it shows.

Offensively, there’s still a lot to unpack. Sotto showed flashes of a soft touch around the rim and even knocked down a mid-range jumper in transition, which I hadn’t seen much from him before. But his post game needs refinement—he struggled against stronger, more physical defenders and turned the ball over a couple of times when double-teamed. I’d love to see him develop a go-to move, maybe a hook shot or a face-up jumper, to capitalize on his height. Still, his passing out of the high post was surprisingly crisp. He had one assist that stood out—a quick interior pass to a cutter that reminded me of some of the better passing big men in the league. If he can consistently make those reads, he becomes a much more versatile offensive piece.

Now, you might wonder how this ties into the reference about Manny Pacquiao’s training regimen. Well, I see a parallel in discipline and mindset. Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, is known for his relentless training camps—often extending his stay abroad to prepare meticulously, as insiders noted ahead of the Barrios fight. That kind of dedication is what Sotto needs now. He’s at a crossroads. If he commits to a similar, focused training routine—perhaps staying in the U.S. to work on his strength and skills—he could bridge the gap between Summer League standout and NBA roster player. I’ve spoken with a few scouts who think he’s one solid G League season away from earning a two-way contract, and I tend to agree. The tools are there; it’s about refinement and opportunity.

Looking ahead, Sotto’s future is intriguing but uncertain. He’s only 21, and big men typically take longer to develop. If he can add 10-15 pounds of muscle and improve his three-point shooting—he attempted only one in Summer League and missed it—he could fit perfectly as a stretch-five in today’s NBA. Personally, I think his best bet is to sign with an NBA G League team, where he can get consistent minutes and coaching tailored to his development. Alternatively, another season overseas wouldn’t be the worst idea, as long as he’s in a system that challenges him. But let’s not forget the intangibles: his work ethic seems strong, and he carries the hopes of a basketball-crazy nation. That pressure can either forge or fracture a player, and from what I’ve seen, Sotto has the temperament to handle it.

In conclusion, Kai Sotto’s 2023 Summer League stint was a mixed bag, but it offered enough glimpses of potential to keep the dream alive. He may not be NBA-ready today, but with dedicated training and the right opportunities, I wouldn’t bet against him. The journey from prospect to pro is rarely linear—just ask Manny Pacquiao, who turned relentless preparation into legendary status. If Sotto embraces that same ethos, we might just see him suiting up in the league sooner than later. For now, I’m keeping a close watch, and if you’re a fan of underdog stories, you should too.