KAI Sotto perhaps could learn a thing or two from fellow big man Boban Marjanovic.
Like the lanky Filipino, the 7-foot-4 Marjanovic was left undrafted in the NBA in 2010, and yet managed to find his way to basketball’s biggest stage where he carved out a decent career that lasted for almost a decade.
While the ultimate goal of every player is to make it to the NBA, the Serbian cager said the first step is to try and improve one’s self.
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“I think for everybody, the goal is to be in the NBA, but I think the goal is to be just the best version of yourself,” stressed the 37-year-old Marjanovic, who will reinforce Strong Group Athletics’ bid to win a third straight William Jones Cup title in Taipei.
“Like sometimes you cannot make it to the NBA, but that should not stop you,” he added. “I wasn’t drafted in the NBA, but I still made it.”
Eight years since he began chasing the dream of becoming the first Philippine-born player to make it to the NBA, Sotto, 24, is still in pursuit of that personal goal especially after being snubbed during the 2022 draft.
Currently, he’s taking on a new path to make that dream come true through a possible stint in the US NCAA.
Marjanovic also took years before setting foot in the NBA.
He was 22 years old when nobody took a second look at him during the 2010 draft, and was already 27 when the call finally came from the San Antonio Spurs, who offered him a one-year contract worth $1.2 million.
That began his 10-year NBA career that likewise saw him suit up for Detroit, LA Clippers, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Houston while playing alongside stars like Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embid, Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, and Fil-Am guard Jalen Green.
A three-time Serbian League MVP and member of the Serbian national team, Marjanovic said time isn’t a hindrance at realizing one’s dream.
“It’s never too late to start working on yourself, not just about basketball, but also education-wise,” he stressed.
“In both ways, you need to focus on that, spend time on your work and wish you can make it, and put the goals up high so you can reach them.”
But Marjanovic pointed out appreciating the game is the most important thing, whether one is in the NBA or not as he referred to playing basketball as the ‘best job’ that he can do.
“Never mind where you play, like what league you play, what country you play, basketball is basketball,” the Serbian veteran said. “And I respect every athlete who play, every teammate who I have, and every person who practice and work out, not just basketball (but) every other sport because it’s a big effort.”
Sotto and Marjanovic actually squared off once during the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade that saw Serbia pull off a tight 83-76 win over Gilas Pilipinas.
Marjanovic fueled an 8-2 Serbia run in the homestretch to fend off the Filipinos huge rally. He led Serbia with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Sotto held his own for 10 points and five rebounds.
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