Kai Sotto is having fun in the NBA 2K24 Summer League in Vegas as a member of the Orlando Magic.
The Magic have already played two games in the tournament, both resulting in losses to the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers. Sotto has yet to see any playing time but he doesn't seem to be discouraged by it and remains positive about the whole stint.
"It's pretty good so far. (I've) been enjoying the process... It's been fun," Sotto said in an interview posted on the NBA Philippines' Facebook page.
"(I'm) surrounded by really good guys (and) coaches. It's been a fun experience so far." ?
For Sotto, part of the journey is learning and taking everything in, whether in training or by watching his teammates from the bench.
"(I'm) just trying to show the coaches that I'm a good teammate, (that) I'm a good player. I'll be ready whenever they call my name. I'll be the positive guy on the bench," he shared.
"I'm just like a sponge, man. I'm just trying to learn from everybody, from all the things that's happening to us."
After going undrafted last season, Sotto continued to pursue his dream of making it to the NBA. He played in Australia's NBL before making a brief stint in Japan's B.League. He then had workouts with several NBA teams before the Orlando Magic invited him to join their Summer League squad.
"It's my first time in the Summer League so everything is pretty new. So I find everything to be quite cool. Just to see a lot of people watching and just a lot of talent in one gym is pretty cool," he said.
"And as I said, here in the Summer League, I just got to put in the work and stay ready when the coach calls my name."
Since news broke out that Sotto would participate in the Summer League in Vegas, the anticipation and excitement of Filipinos here in the country and in the United States have grown by the day. During the Magic's against the Pacers, several people in the crowd chanted "We want Sotto," hoping to persuade the coaching staff to give the 7-3 star some playing time.
The entire crowd here at #NBA2K24SummerLeague just broke out into a “We Want Sotto” chant during a free throw at this Pacers/Magic game.
— Peter Hooley (@PeterHooley12) July 11, 2023
The people want to see Kai Sotto on the floor for @OrlandoMagic. Give the people what they want !! pic.twitter.com/lqZUdxjuSq
Aware of the impact he continues to make, Sotto is glad he gets to make his countrymen proud by chasing his dream.
"I mean I feel like everywhere I go I represent the Philippines, so I just have to be aware of my actions... I'll be really happy to see a lot of Filipinos here to come watch our games and support," he said.
"It's just a blessing each day to represent my country and to have a lot of people believe in me."
