Kai Sotto. Photo from Fiba.com
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto’s decision to jump to the NBA G League instead of going to college could also be beneficial to his bank account.
As per Evan Daniels of 247Sports which specializes in reporting US college sports, Sotto is expected to receive at least $200,000 (P10 million) in the deal to join the developmental league.
Sotto, a 7-foot-2 center from Ateneo High School, became a sensation in the Philippines and was able to lead the country in several junior Fiba competitions.
Kai Sotto’s deal with the NBA G League is worth at least $200,000, sources tell @247Sports. Sotto, a 7-2 center from Philippines, is No. 51 overall in the @247Sports Rankings.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) May 14, 2020
After graduating high school, Sotto moved to the United States and enrolled at The Skills Academy in Atlanta, Georgia en route to the NBA G League.
Sotto joined Jalen Green, who is of Filipino-American descent, as high-profile recruits to forego college and instead join the NBA’s developmental program.
Green, the no.1-ranked prospect in ESPN’s rankings, is reported to receive $500,000 in his G League contract.
Sotto was ranked 62nd in ESPN’s rankings and received interest from Kentucky, University of Southern California, Georgia Tech, Auburn, and DePaul.