As I sit here scrolling through the latest basketball news, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation for Kai Sotto. The 2022 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and the burning question on everyone’s mind—including mine—is whether this will finally be his year. Standing at 7’2” with a skill set that’s rare for someone his size, Kai has been on the radar of scouts and fans alike for what feels like ages. But the road to the NBA is never straightforward, especially for international prospects. I’ve followed his journey closely, from his time in the US developmental leagues to his stints overseas, and I genuinely believe he has what it takes—if the stars align just right.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Kai’s performance in Australia’s NBL with the Adelaide 36ers showed flashes of brilliance—he averaged around 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in limited minutes, which might not jump off the page, but his per-36-minute stats hint at a much higher ceiling. I remember watching one game where he dropped 12 points and swatted three shots, displaying that tantalizing blend of agility and rim protection. Still, his draft stock has been a rollercoaster. Some mock drafts have him sneaking into the late second round, while others leave him undrafted altogether. It’s frustrating to see, because I’ve always felt that his potential as a stretch-five could thrive in today’s pace-and-space NBA. But teams are cautious—they worry about his strength and consistency, and honestly, I get it. The leap from international play to the NBA is massive, and not everyone makes it.

Now, you might wonder why I’m drawing a parallel to something like the Petro Gazz and Akari situation in volleyball, but bear with me—it’s a metaphor that hits close to home. In the recent semifinals race, Petro Gazz and Akari could only secure their top two spots if both won their penultimate matches against sister teams Choco Mucho and Creamline, respectively. It’s a scenario where control isn’t entirely in their hands; they need wins, but they also depend on other outcomes. That’s exactly how I see Kai’s draft prospects. He can put up great numbers in workouts—and from what I’ve heard, he’s been grinding in the US, adding muscle and refining his jump shot—but ultimately, his fate rests with NBA front offices. Teams like the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs, who value international talent, could take a flyer on him in the second round. But if a team prioritizes immediate depth or has specific roster needs, he might slip through the cracks. It’s a nail-biter, and I’ll admit, I’m biased—I’d love to see him make it, not just for his sake, but for Philippine basketball, which has been hungry for an NBA representative since forever.

Reflecting on past drafts, I can’t help but think of players like Jordan Clarkson, who paved the way for Filipino heritage in the league, or even recent success stories like Jalen Green. Kai’s path is different, though. He’s a big man in an era where bigs are expected to do it all—shoot, defend, switch on screens—and while he’s shown improvement, there are lingering questions. For instance, his mobility in pick-and-roll situations has been a sticking point in scouting reports, and I’ve seen games where he struggled against more physical opponents. But here’s where I push back a bit: at just 20 years old, he’s younger than many prospects, and his upside is undeniable. If he lands with a team that’s patient, like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Orlando Magic, he could develop into a solid rotational player within a couple of years. Personally, I’d bet on him—I’ve watched enough tape to see his feel for the game improving, and his work ethic seems relentless.

As draft night approaches, the anxiety builds. I’ve spoken to a few insiders who say Kai’s private workouts have been impressive, with one source mentioning he hit 40% from three-point range in a recent session. Whether that’s enough to sway a general manager, though, is anyone’s guess. The NBA is a business, after all, and teams often go for safer picks. But if you ask me, drafting Kai isn’t just about stats—it’s about potential and marketability. The Philippines has a massive, passionate fanbase that would rally behind any team that gives him a shot. In the end, much like Petro Gazz and Akari needing everything to fall into place, Kai’s dream hinges on a perfect storm of opportunity and perception. I’ll be glued to my screen on draft day, hoping for that call. Because if he does get drafted, it won’t just be a personal victory—it’ll be a milestone for an entire nation.