Sotto draws attention in US tour

MANILA, Philippines — Nine months into his decision to leave home and take a gamble overseas, Filipino teen prodigy Kai Sotto is starting to gain ground and make heads turn in a bid to realize his NBA dream. 

Currently training under the tutelage of Atlanta-based The Skills Factory where he’s improved a lot in physique and footwork, the 17-year-old Sotto has caught the attention of at least three US NCAA Division schools so far. 

These are University of Kentucky and Georgia Tech, which Sotto personally visited earlier this week. De Paul U also expressed interest with coach Dave Leitao taking time to see for himself the 7-foot-2 teen at home.

Nothing is cast in stone with this series of NCAA schools basketball tour for Sotto but he is just just relishing the golden chance to hear and learn from some of the best collegiate programs in the US. 

“Let the fun begin. Legends begin their lives here,” said Sotto upon his visit to Kentucky in Lexington where he met three-time Naismith College Coach of the Year John Calipari. 

The Wildcats are home to some of the biggest NBA stars now like Lakers’ Anthony Davis, Wizards’ John Wall and Timberwolves’ Karl Anthony-Towns.

In Georgia, Sotto was even given a personalized No. 11 yellow jersey and a Georgia Tech ball in an all-out pitch by coach Josh Pastner.