CHICAGO — After opting not to pursue a Summer League stint this year, Kai Sotto is trying to carve another path to the NBA.
Per multiple sources, the 7-foot-3, 232-pound center is eyeing a stint in the US NCAA.
But because Sotto has already played professionally since 2020, he will need a “professional participation and amateurism reinstatement waiver” from the NCAA.
It’s unclear how long the review process will take but if Kai secures the clearance he will be able to play, and potentially earn NIL money, for whatever program he chooses.
THE TIMING IS CRUCIAL
Beginning in the fall of 2027, the NCAA will adopt an age-based eligibility model that disqualifies Kai from competing in the league.
Under the new rule, NCAA Division 1 student-athletes will be given “five years of eligibility to play five seasons within a continuous single window.”
The clock starts “upon initial full-time college enrollment or at the start of the academic year following an athlete’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first.”
Six years ago, Kai received formal athletic scholarship offers from top colleges such as Kentucky, Auburn, and Georgia Tech.
ALL-IN FOR THE DREAM.
Under a different agent representation back then, Sotto chose to go pro instead and hooked up with the G League Ignite in a collaboration that ultimately did not work out.
It wasn’t until Wasserman Sports entered the picture that Kai’s career took off with stints in the NBL in Australia and the B.League in Japan.
But the dream of making it in the NBA continues to burn bright for Kai as a basketball-crazed nation roots for him.
Now 24, wiser, bigger, and inspired by a newly-wedded bliss, Kai is ready for his NBA breakthrough.
Prayers up.
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