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NBA G-League’s Filipino star Kai Sotto hopes to replicate Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin popularity in China

  • The 18-year-old centre reminisces over China visits and watching tape of Yao Ming and Lin
  • Sotto went from playing against construction workers in the Philippines to proving that Asians can play at NBA level

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Jeremy Lin during his ‘Linsanity’ era, Kai Sotto training ahead of his NBA G-League Elite Team season, and Kobe Bryant during a visit to Beijing. Photos: Reuters, AP
Andrew McNicol

Highly touted Filipino youngster Kai Sotto aspires to be as popular as Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin are in China – but knows there is a lot more to prove and a long way to go.

“Hopefully, I can experience the same thing that Kobe experienced in time. I’m excited to come visit and play again,” the 18-year-old told the Post via video call, adding that China was the first country he had travelled to outside the Philippines.

Sotto’s humble beginnings in his basketball-worshipping home nation eventually carved him a spot in the hand-picked NBA G-League Elite team in California last month. The move took years of meticulous planning from cautiously optimistic coaches, who remind him to this day that the grind has only just begun.

“Basketball is a religion in the Philippines. Growing up and stepping on the court to play against tricycle drivers and construction workers – with no shoes on, just a hoop and ball and a bit of fun. That’s what I think of every time I step onto the court,” he said.

A group of students pose with a mural of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at Shenyang Sport University, Lianing province in 2016. Photo: Xinhua
A group of students pose with a mural of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at Shenyang Sport University, Lianing province in 2016. Photo: Xinhua

Sotto fondly recalled visiting China multiple times in his early teens and has, in return, decided to carry it over his shoulder as he continues his ascent to becoming the first-full blooded Filipino to reach the NBA.

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