FILE–Hiroshima Dragonflies’ Kai Sotto. Photo from B.League
MANILA, Philippines—After attending several NBA training camps the past few weeks, Kai Sotto has been called up to play in the NBA Summer League.
As confirmed by NBA Philippines on Friday evening, Sotto received an invitation to play for the Orlando Magic in the league’s preseason from July 7 to 17 in Las Vegas.
The Filipino center will look to impress on the big stage with several scouts watching the young talents for a chance to get a contract in the NBA.
“After getting invited by the Orlando Magic to participate in the 2023 NBA Summer League to take place July 7-17 in Las Vegas, Kai Sotto has another shot at making it to the NBA,” the NBA Philippines said in a post.
Sotto has been trying his luck with NBA teams, attending practices for Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and the Utah Jazz.
Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy, who is in a country as part of an Asian Tour, said Sotto’s NBA dreams hinge on opportunities available.
“It [NBA selection] could be this summer, it could be next year. It really just depends on the opportunity,” Handy said during a press conference.
Sotto, who is looking to be the first homegrown Filipino to make it to the NBA, tried to make it to the league through the NBA Draft in 2022 but went unpicked.
He returned to play for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League after going undrafted then signed with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League.
The Ateneo product recently signed an extension with the Dragonflies but is allowed to try out for any NBA teams during the Japan B.League offseason.
“The NBA is my biggest dream, so I will continue to work hard and challenge myself in summer league in the United States this summer,” Sotto said last month.
Kai Sotto is also included in Gilas Pilipinas’ 21-man pool for the Fiba World Cup, where he could once again team up with Jordan Clarkson.