Sotto gets call from Magic

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto has taken a giant leap to fulfilling his elusive NBA dream.

The Filipino tower breathed life on his aspiration as he received a call-up from the Orlando Magic to be part of their NBA Summer League team in Las Vegas on July 7 to 17.

The STAR columnist Joaquin Henson broke the news on Twitter yesterday, saying Sotto drew interest from at least three teams but opted to suit up for the Magic, which “offered the best situation” for the 7-foot-3 Filipino.

Sotto went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft but, as an unrestricted free agent, is allowed to sign with any team interested in his services.

In the Summer League, featuring the top rookie draftees this year led by No. 1 pick Victor Wenbanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Sotto and the other young prospects will have a shot at showcasing their wares and impress executives, coaches and scouts in attendance.

The ultimate goal is to land a possible contract that would make him the first Filipino homegrown player in the NBA.

Sotto, who’s expected to join the team in Orlando next week, actually worked out with the Utah Jazz, the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks for a Summer League spot but ended up with the Magic.

Interestingly, Sotto also had a training session with the Magic last year as part of his rookie draft build-up.

Thereafter, Sotto opted to return to the Australia National Basketball League with the Adelaide 36ers before bringing his act to the Japan B. League with the Hiroshima Dragonflies this year.

He recently signed a contract extension for B. League’s next season but enjoys an option in the deal from his mother ball club to continue his NBA chase.

Now, Sotto is very much in the race and he’s tipped to make a serious run for it to fulfill a long-time dream – not only for him but for the rest of the Filipino fans around the world behind him.

With the Summer League on his slate, Sotto’s entry into the Gilas Pilipinas training camp will be pushed back to the third week of July at the earliest. This will give him a little over a month before the Nationals plunge into action against the Dominican Republic in the Aug. 25 FIBA World Cup opener.

Sotto had previously declared his commitment to Gilas but said he could only come in once he’s done with his NBA-related activities, including the Summer League.

“After that, I’ll join Gilas. There’ll be time to prepare for the World Cup,” he earlier said.