CHICAGO — Like Iran’s aerial missile attrition, the news broke the stillness of a quiet Tuesday night
Kai Sotto is zeroing in on the US NCAA as the bridge towards the NBA, multiple outlets reported.
When asked if this was Indeed the new pathway for Sotto, his handlers said the idea was “so crazy.’
READ Kai Sotto planning to retrace college route to NBA? Here's what we know
But is it really?
Yes and no.
At age 23, the 7-foot-3 giant will have a built-in advantage against younger competition, most if not all of whom do not have his pro experience in the NBL and B.League.
POTENTIAL TRAP.
The downside of which is that his stock will drop exponentially if he cant dominate or hold his own in the amateur field.
The financial aspect, though, would be lucrative.
“He could probably make minimum $300.000 to $500,000 in NIL money,” a registered NBA agent, who requested anonimity because Sotto isn't his client, told me.
But here’s why the college alternative seems counterproductive.
After his one-year G League Ignite stint ended in February 2021, Kai turned pro and took his talents to the NBL in Australia before settling in Japan.
ALREADY AT THE DOORSTEP.
Currently earning easily north of $50,000 a month with the Koshigaya Alphas, Sotto is up for renewal this year or may move to another ballclub for a potentially more lucrative offer.
The idea that playing in the NCAA provides a better exposure is not necessarily true because the devices modern technology offers these days allow NBA scouts to mine for talent globally.
And besides, Kai is already on the NBA radar following a stint in the 2023 Summer League.
In a world of endless possibilities, I can see why Kai could be in the NCAA later this year.
But since likely probabilities are much closer to reality, I still think he will continue to pursue his NBA dream outside of college.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
