Kai guaranteed of P10 million in G-League

MANILA, Philippines — It’s a double jackpot for Filipino wunderkind Kai Sotto as he is set to be over P10-million richer following a historic signing with the NBA G-League. 

As per report of established scouting and recruiting US expert Evan Daniels of 247 Sports, the G-League deal of the 18-year-old rising star could be worth at least $200,000.

As the first-ever international prospect in the G-League’s reshaped pro pathway program, Sotto has got a contract that is more lucrative than those of most of the regular G-League players.

NBA G-League president Shareef Abdur-Raheem, however, refused to delve deeper into the salary of their signees as he championed the exclusive process they will be undergoing to prepare them for an NBA jump soon. 

Sotto, for one, will have the benefits of proper coaching, conditioning, training and playing tailored for his height and unique abilities as a 7-foot-2 prodigy.

 “We want to see NBA-level talent. We want a player that we are projecting and expect to go forward on their way to the NBA,” said Raheem in a video conference with local media.

“We want to make sure to identify players that are tracking towards the NBA and having the right attitude. And I think Kai fits all of those areas,” Raheem also said.

With all of these tools now on the table, only time can tell on when Sotto and other high school prospects Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd and Fil-Am Jalen Green would realize their NBA dreams, if ever they do.

 “We are happy to be part and continue to be part of the process. We always have a plan to have our program to improve international players. We are excited to welcome Kai knowing how big basketball is in the Philippines,” added Raheem, the third overall pick in the famed 1996 NBA draft class that included Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen and Steve Nash. 

“We hope Kai to be an inspiration to younger Filipino players that aspire to play in the NBA and aspire to be in the G League.”