Cone thinks Kai’s right on track

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto’s decision to join the G League, the professional pathway program to the NBA, drew welcome support from seasoned coaches led by Tim Cone and Jong Uichico.

“I’m sure the decision he and his family came to was heavily weighted and thought out. Although I would always stress education and going to college to a young man, circumstances that surround Kai are unique,” said Cone, who owns the most number of PBA titles as a coach with 22.

“The priority for him and the country is that he’ll get the best chance to develop his game and the G League appears to have the best developmental program in place at this time and it seems to be the best pathway to the NBA,” said the two-time grand slam champion.

Uichico, a nine-time PBA champion with a wide experience in international play, also rallied behind the 18-year-old Sotto, who’s hoping to become the first homegrown Filipino talent to make it to the NBA.

“I really hope that it works out well for Kai. It is everybody’s dream and it would make the Filipinos proud,” said Uichico, now the coaches’ academy director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Sotto has decided to skip college play and jump straight into the NBA G League.

“I really hope that Kai makes it. It would be great for the Philippines if he makes the NBA. Someone from here sooner or later is going to make it. Let’s hope it is him,” TNT KaTropa consultant and Gilas Pilipinas interim coach Mark Dickel said.

Sandy Arespacochaga, who coached Sotto in the Gilas Youth team, is full of hope.

“G League is different level. Stronger guys and more experienced players are there. Now, do we expect him to dominate right away? If yes, then it’s good. But the goal is to develop and Kai will surely get better there,” he said.