Adelaide 36ers’ Kai Sotto. –ADELAIDE 36ERS PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto is grateful to have his dad Ervin now on his side as the Adelaide 36ers head to the second half of the 2021-22 NBL season.
The 19-year-old big man has received an added inspiration after his dad arrived in Australia to support him and the 36ers, who are currently on a five-game skid with a 5-12 record.
“Having my dad is amazing. I wish I have my mom and two of my younger siblings here, too. But I’m always thankful with what I have and I’m happy that my dad is here,” said the younger Sotto during an interview on his team’s YouTube channel.
Ervin, a former PBA cager, has been on Kai’s side since his stints in St. Francis of Assisi College and Ateneo and even when he tried his luck in the United States to chase his NBA dream three years ago.
The 7-foot-2 center, who is averaging 6.8 points on 53% field goal percentage, 4.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.7 blocks in 14.9 minutes per game, said having his father on his side makes life easier for him as he continues his first professional stint in Australia.
“He’s always there to guide me in my basketball career so it’s easier for me on and off the court and I’m just happy he’s here with me and that makes me feel better and stronger and more comfortable,” the Gilas Pilipinas player said.
Sotto and the 36ers hope to end their five-game misery against the Cairns Taipans this Friday at 4:30 pm (Philippine time).
“Of course, it’s very important to win this game. We lost five in a row, we have the next game mentality. So it’s very important for us and we got to defend our home court everytime we play there,” he said.