Kai Sotto can achieve NBA dream – Coach

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Since moving to the United States to pursue his NBA dream, there’s one person who knew all the struggles and development Kai Sotto had to go through.

Rob Johnson, Sotto’s coach in the Atlanta-based basketball program, The Skills Factory, applauded his work ethic and the development the Filipino sensation had in a year.

“Kai has a great attitude about training. He is a gym rat. He loves finding out information to apply to his game to help him improve. Kai is very enjoyable to work with,” Johnson told The Olympic Channel.

Aside from the in-game developments Sotto attained – including his ball-handling skills and his court-awareness – what amazed Johnson was his determination to get a stronger body frame, bulking up from 210 pounds to around 235 pounds.

“It’s challenging for me too, because I have to continue to challenge myself to come up with ways to maximize his gifts. But he is dedicated to the game and enjoys the process of working and learning, so it has been a pleasure so far,” added Johnson.

With Sotto now under new coach Brian Shaw after announcing his NBA G-League participation, Johnson wished him the best and said that he will be ready for the G-League and the NBA.

When asked if Sotto’s hard work will pay off and make it to the NBA, Johnson said, “Yes. He just needs to take advantage of the opportunities in front of him and continue to improve.”