Sotto open to NBL return

Former Adelaide 36er Kai Sotto has been forced to wait patiently for his chance at the NBA Summer League, but that chance arrived on day seven of the tournament – and he grasped it with both hands.

Sotto has been an ardent supporter of his Orlando Magic teammates from the end of the bench for much of the competition, but he hit the court against former NBL pairing Duop Reath and Rayan Rupert’s Portland Trail Blazers and impressed in his limited action.

He played over 13 minutes against the Blazers and ended the game with six points, four rebounds and three blocks.

Sotto says he’s proud of the support he’s been receiving since linking up with the Magic this pre-season.

“You can always rely on Filipino love,” he told NBL Media. “Everywhere I go there’s always people who have been watching me and supporting me.

“It’s something I look forward to every time I step on the court. To have that extra push to hear their cheers and support means a lot to me.

“Obviously I’ve been cheering for my teammates for the past three games but I’m happy I got on the court. We didn’t win so [it was] not the best game, but we’re looking to bounce back next game.”

Following two seasons in Adelaide – in which he won two Chemist Warehouse Fans MVP awards – Sotto has signed a deal with Japanese side Hiroshima for next season, meaning he will not be returning to the NBL.

He played 24 games for the Dragonflies following the conclusion of the 36ers’ NBL23 season, and although he hasn’t ruled out a future NBL return, Sotto is focused on learning as much as he can from his time in the Summer League. 

“I love playing in Australia. I love all my guys there; I love all my teammates – I miss all of them already – so who knows? If I get the chance I’m going to go back, I love the NBL.

“I’m like a sponge trying to learn from everybody, everything, so all the experiences here I’m going to cherish the moments I have in the Summer League with the Orlando Magic, so it’s been a good experience for me.”