Kai Sotto for the Adelaide 36ers. –36ers Instagram
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto’s much-awaited professional debut in Australia’s National Basketball League has been penciled in for the league’s season tipoff on December 3.
Sotto’s first game for the Adelaide 36ers, who signed the Filipino wunderkind to a multiyear deal last April, will be against newcomer Tasmania JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart.
The league initially set its opening night on November 18 before opting for a later date to prioritize the health and safety of the fans.
“While it’s only a few weeks later than we originally planned, the new start date gives us a greater level of comfort and flexibility as we navigate through the current environment and prioritize having our growing number of fans courtside around the country and in New Zealand,” NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said on the league website.
“The NBL is a fan-first product and playing in front of crowds is vital for the league and our clubs. Giving supporters an even better chance of seeing their teams compete at home was a key driver in moving things back slightly and in how we’ve structured the schedule.”
Last season’s runners-up the Perth Wildcats play the Brisbane Bullets in the other game on opening night.
The 7-foot-2 Sotto and the 36ers face the Bullets in their second game of the season on December 5 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.