Kai Sotto ‘excited’ to learn from from coach Brian Shaw
Kai Sotto at the Basketball Without Borders NBA Camp. NBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Former NBA veteran Brian Shaw can’t wait to work with some of the best young basketball prospects after being named the head coach of the new NBA G League team.
The Southern California-based squad features the likes of Fil-American prodigy Jalen Green and Filipino sensation Kai Sotto.
“I’m excited to serve as head coach of the new NBA G League team,” said Shaw. “This is a new and different challenge in my career, and I’m ready to get to work mentoring, coaching and developing the next generation of NBA stars.”
The 54-year-old Shaw’s appointment as head coach was made official Wednesday.
Much respect and excited to be lead by Coach Shaw. https://t.co/5TODQbLv5H
— Kai Sotto (@kzsottolive) June 9, 2020
The 7-foot-2 Sotto is also excited to learn from Shaw.
“Much respect and excited to be led by Coach Shaw,” Sotto, who hopes to become the first full-blooded Filipino to make the NBA, tweeted Wednesday.
Shaw, a late first round pick in 1988 by the Boston Celtics, played 14 seasons in the NBA. He was crucial part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that completed a three-peat from 2000 to 2002.
After retiring in 2003, Shaw was hired by the Lakers as an assistant coach where he won two more championships.
He got his first head coaching stint with the Denver Nuggets in 2013 before returning to the Lakers’ sidelines from 2016 to 2019 as associated head coach.
“Brian’s extensive experience and success as an NBA player and coach make him a natural choice to lead the new NBA G League team,” said Abdur-Rahim.
“We look forward to watching these terrific young players develop their skills and grow as professionals under Brian’s leadership.
