FILE – Kai Sotto #70 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trial Blazers during the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 13, 2023 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino center Kai Sotto kept a positive outlook despite a lackluster NBA Summer League stint.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto said he will “be back” as he continues to chase his NBA dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to make the league.
“No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying,” wrote Sotto on his Instagram on Monday, quoting American author Tony Robbins.
“Always thankful for the opportunities and blessings no matter how things turn out. I’ll be back.”
Sotto was a DNP in the Orlando Magic’s first three games in the Summer League before finally making his much-awaited debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 21-year-old Sotto posted six points, four rebounds, one assists and three blocks against the Blazers, who beat the Magic, 88-71.
Sotto, however, failed to follow it up in the Magic’s next outing against the Boston Celtics after back issues prevented him from having another productive game.
In pain, Sotto went scoreless and had two rebounds and one block. Sotto was subbed out at the 5:35 mark of the second quarter and went straight to the locker room. He did not return.
A stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming Fiba World Cup in Manila could be next for Sotto.