Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago consisting of more than 7,000 islands. Collective nation of different cultures under one roof preaching strength, hard work and integrity. To the Western Hemisphere, the Philippines is known as the home of eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. For some classic rock fans, it’s the home of Journey’s current frontman, Arnel Pineda.
To its citizens and the rest of Asia, the Philippines is known for other things. The two largest religions in the Philippines are Roman Catholicism and basketball.
The Philippines’ unique and abiding relationship with hoops is one of the most interesting national sporting phenomena. You can cover your eyes, point your finger in any direction, and be within range of the basketball hoop. Sport unites a country that spans different social classes, religious beliefs, and more than 170 dialects. Basketball is the universal language of the Philippines.
Everything from pick-up games in the streets that pause when passing vehicles to organized rings between schools and the Philippine Basketball Association is incredibly competitive. Filipinos Constantly compete on a global scale as well. Develop consistently in Asian-wide competitions and qualify for the FIBA World Cup. The Philippines is also one of the three host countries for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
There is only one thing to be accomplished by a nation whose heart beats to the beat of a ball hitting the hardwood – a homegrown NBA player.
Kai Soto joins the Orlando Magic Summer League squad
Enter 21-year-old Kai Soto. Born in Las Pinas, a city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines, Soto was noticed by many early in his career. The first major factor is 7-foot-3, Soto is an absolute goliath in a population that averages 5-foot-5.
Not only did Soto stand out in height, but his skills were also evident on the field. Hoops fans in the Philippines immediately wondered how that would translate in the United States and if Soto would be the first Filipino to enter the NBA.
Having played for the highly successful Ateneo Blue Eagles early in his high school career, Soto traveled to the United States to fulfill his and his countrymen’s dreams. Sotto joined The Skill Factory in Atlanta in 2019. His most impressive performance was in the prep program at the King Invitational Tournament. Soto averaged 27 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.3 blocks and three assists to earn the competition’s Most Valuable Player honors. His efforts were enough to attract Some of the best colleges in the United States, including the University of Georgia and the University of Kentucky. He was listed as a four-star recruit who graduated from high school.
Sotto decided to join the NBA G League Ignite, forgoing the college track and interest from Overtime Elite to do so.
In 2021, Soto headed to Australia and joined the Adelaide 36ers. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft, but was not selected. This did not stop Soto. He continued to play and post solid numbers for Adelaide. In 2023, he joined a wave of Filipino talents who tried their luck in the Japan B League.
Soto Figures for Hiroshima Dragonfly It wasn’t impressive. He started 19 of the 24 games he played and averaged 8.9 points, six rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. While the 50 percent average from the field is solid, it wasn’t as dominant for someone of his stature.
However, Soto ended up on the 2023 Orlando Magic summer roster and will make his debut against the Detroit Pistons on July 8. The general Filipino public is excited. However, hardcore basketball fans view this opportunity with caution. As exciting as it is, we’ve seen Sotto hit and miss in the States before.
Can Sotho carry the weight of his nation on the Promised Land? Philippines will support him whether he succeeds in joining the NBA or not. This opportunity is the closest the hopeful nation has come to reaching its dream — and it all rests on the shoulders of young Soto.
- Posted on 07/08/2023 at 19:00 PM
- Last updated on 07/08/2023 at 21:56 PM