Thirdy says hardworking Kai Sotto ‘definitely’ going to make it to NBA

Kai Sotto. Photo from Fiba.com

MANILA, Philippines — Thirdy Ravena is convinced that Kai Sotto will make history for the Philippines as the first full-blooded Filipino to make the NBA.

And it’s not just because of Sotto’s development and potential as a 7-foot-2 teen.

For Ravena, it’s also Sotto’s work ethic and character on and off the court.

“Seeing how he works now, seeing all his videos and all his workouts, really made me so proud of Kai for his development,” Ravena said on Instagram Live with Fiba Asia Cup recently.

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“[Sotto] really changed his character, really just striving to be the best version that he could possible be every day,” added Ravena, whose first recollection of the 18-year-old Sotto was when the young center was just 13 years old.

Since that time, Ravena has seen Sotto’s improvement throughout the years.

“I’ve seen him work and work and work,” Ravena, a three-time UAAP champion out of Ateneo, praised.

Sotto, who is also a product of Ateneo in high school, has been training in the US since last year and just recently, announced his decision to skip college and join the NBA G League.

“I know that it’s going to pay like tenfold, especially when it comes to making it to the G League and doing well there or eventually making it to the NBA because I know that Kai is definitely going to make it to the NBA.”