Filipino basketball star Kai Sotto: I’m confident I can make it to the NBA

Basketball sensation Kai Sotto has his sights set on making it to the big leagues.

The Filipino, who has led his country to the semi-finals at the 2024 FIBA men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs), is eyeing a move to the NBA next year, with a view of being named in the 2025 draft.

“I have a contract back in Japan and hopefully I play well enough to be prepared for next summer,” he told Olympics.com in an exclusive interview.

“I’m going to try again to go back to the States and make it in the NBA.”

Standing at over 2.2m (7ft 3inch) tall, Sotto is currently looking to guide the Philippines to an Olympic berth for Paris 2024 by winning the OQT.

The 22-year-old is hoping his skillset can help them secure a spot at the Games for the first time since Munich 1972, while also boosting his chances of being drafted.

“This is the work that I put in each and every day,” Sotto told us.

“I’ve been playing pro since I was 18, I think I’ve learned so much and I’ve experienced a lot.

“I’ve been through so much [and that’s] why I’m confident that I could make it to the NBA.”

Despite all of the noise surrounding him and his future, the center remains focused on himself.

“As a player, you can’t really control what people say around you, I’m just focused on myself and what I can control and contribute to, to myself and my team.

“I just love playing basketball and when I go [on] to the court, there’s no pressure. It’s all love and fun.”