JUSTIN Brownlee is sure that Kai Sotto has what it takes to play in the NBA.
Brownlee spoke highly of the Gilas Pilipinas big man shortly after his 19-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist effort in the hosts' 93-89 victory over New Zealand in their Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifier last Thursday night.
The Gilas naturalized player said Sotto is showing a lot of improvement in his skill set and it was on display once again in the game against the Tall Blacks, where he came three assists shy of a triple double against the world's No. 22 team.
COLUMN: Kai Sotto has improved and matured before our very eyes
“I’ve been saying, I feel like he is good enough playing in the NBA, in my opinion,” said Brownlee, who once played in the NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks in 2012.
“Of course, he’s got the height, he’s got the size, and the skills. But he’s been improving so much. It’s great to see. A young player like him with so much potential and see him start fulfilling his potential.”
Aside from the near triple-double, Sotto also displayed his ability to play defense by tallying two steals and two blocks in the win over the Tall Blacks. The Gilas big man also overcame New Zealand’s physicality in the victory.
For Brownlee, the good thing for the Koshigaya Alphas big man is that he is only 22 years old and still has a lot of room for growth.
“He’s got a long way to go. He is only in his early 20s. I’m happy with his progression and I’m excited for his progression,” said Brownlee.
Sotto has been making a bid to make it to the NBA beginning with an uneventful stint with the G League Ignite in 2020.
In 2022, the Las Pinas-born Sotto declared for the NBA Draft but was not picked. Sotto also suited up for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League.
As for Gilas Pilipinas, Brownlee said having Sotto around definitely “makes the game a lot easier.”
“He’s great. He does a lot of things really well. Shooting, great skill set, passing, he can do everything on the court. He is 7-4 and he can do everything,” said Brownlee.
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