LAS VEGAS - Most Filipino basketball fans woke up early to catch a glimpse of Kai Sotto banging against NBA level talent in the Summer League.
It turned out to be a Sunday morning bummer as the 7-foot-3 center got stuck in the Orlando Magic bench and officially carded a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) in the game against the Detroit Pistons.
READ: Kai Sotto a DNP in Pistons' Summer League debut
While Pinoys back home and those who converged at a full house Thomas & Mack Center sat on pins and needles while anxiously waiting for his number to be called, Kai knew all along that he wouldn't play.
"Kinausap ako ng coach (Dylan Murphy) namin. Lima kami," Kai told me outside the Magic locker room after the game.
He was informed that "rookies and contracted players" will have first dibs of the playing minutes especially in the first game of the Summer League.
Having played in Australia and Japan and having participated in three NBA mini camps, I asked Kai what was the major difference he saw at the NBA level.
WATCH:
"Very different," he said. "All of the guys are just more athletic, so it's a different game."
Hopefully, he gets to dip his toes in the water with at least three more games left for the Magic.
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