Ignite coach lauds Kai Sotto’s skill set despite limited numbers in tuneup

FILE PHOTO — Kai Sotto at the Basketball Without Borders NBA Camp. NBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ignite coach Brian Shaw knows that Kai Sotto will not immediately rack up constant 20-10s in his young professional career, but he’s fine with the young center developing into his own game before the start of the G League.

Sotto put up six points, six rebounds, and one block in Ignite’s 126-99 loss to G League veterans during a scrimmage on Thursday (Manila time).

“He does a lot of good things out there on the court. You can’t really judge him on how many points he gets here and there,” said Shaw.

“He’s not gonna put up super great numbers in a situation like this because it’s a guard game, he doesn’t get as many touches as everybody else but you can see his skill set and his IQ.”

This was Sotto’s second game gainst G League veterans in a scrimmage setup. He scored five points, five rebounds, and two blocks in their  113-107 loss earlier this week.

Humble numbers to say the least, but Shaw doesn’t mind as long as Sotto continues to develop.

“He’s getting stronger, he’s getting better understanding… I’m really really impressed with his skill set for a guy his size,” said Shaw.