Kai Sotto officially re-signs with Adelaide 36ers

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino basketball sensation Kai Sotto is officially back with the Adelaide 36ers after flying back to Australia.

After going undrafted during the 2022 NBA Rookie Draft, the seven-foot-three Filipino center decided to run it back with the 36ers after an injury-plagued first season in the Australian National Basketball League.

The official Twitter page of Adelaide even posted Sotto’s clip arriving in Australia and is set to reunite with his teammates for the upcoming season.

“36ers family it’s Kai Sotto here. I’m back in Adelaide and I can’t wait to see my teammates. Can’t wait to see my home in Australia. Let’s get it,” Sotto said.

Sotto sat out during the first few games of Adelaide during his rookie year after having knee issues but came back midseason and immediately let his presence felt.

The Filipino star became Adelaide’s defensive anchor in the paint and was also a big contributor on the offensive end with a much-improved perimeter game.

During his last game for the 36ers, Sotto dominated and stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, four blocks, and seven rebounds to help his squad demolish the New Zealand Breakers, 93-60.

However, Sotto won’t be staying long in Adelaide due to his commitment to the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national.

Sotto will fly back to the Philippines on August 18 and will join Gilas’ intensive training camp for the upcoming fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Gilas will kick off its August FIBA window with a game against Lebanon on August 25 and will take on Saudi Arabia on August 29.