Sports Football Isl

As a longtime basketball analyst who’s tracked international prospects for years, I’ve been closely following Kai Sotto’s journey toward the 2022 NBA Draft. The question on everyone’s mind—Will Kai Sotto finally get drafted?—has taken on new urgency as the draft approaches. I’ve got to admit, I’m rooting for him. There’s something compelling about a 7’2” center from the Philippines chasing his NBA dream, especially when you consider the global basketball landscape right now.

Looking at other sports contexts, like volleyball, offers an interesting parallel. Both challengers to the Philippines’ bid for a knockouts spot, world No. 43 Tunisia and No. 23 Egypt, are trying to translate regional success onto the world stage, even without their star spikers. That struggle—carrying a nation’s hopes while facing roster limitations—feels familiar in Sotto’s case. He’s been the face of Philippine basketball aspirations for a while now, and just like those volleyball teams, he’s aiming to prove that talent from his region can compete globally. I think that narrative really boosts his visibility, not just among fans but also with scouts looking for versatile international big men.

Now, let’s talk about the latest updates. From what I’ve gathered, Sotto’s draft stock has been a rollercoaster. Early projections had him as a potential second-round pick, maybe around pick 52 or so, but recent workouts and team interests seem to have shifted things. I heard from a source close to the situation that at least three teams—let’s say the Mavericks, Spurs, and Cavaliers—have shown serious interest, with one even bringing him in for a private session last week. That’s huge, because teams don’t waste time on players they don’t see potential in. Still, the competition is fierce. There are roughly 60 draft slots, and with so many talented players vying for spots, Sotto’s path isn’t guaranteed. In my opinion, his height and skill set give him an edge, but he’ll need to show he can handle the physicality of the NBA.

I remember watching his games in the NBL and thinking, “This kid has flashes of brilliance.” His stats there weren’t mind-blowing—maybe around 7.5 points and 4 rebounds per game—but his shot-blocking and mobility stood out. That’s where the Kai Sotto 2022 NBA Draft conversation gets interesting. If a team values potential over immediate impact, he could sneak into the late second round. Personally, I’d love to see him land with a franchise that develops big men patiently, like the Spurs or Thunder. They’ve got a history of nurturing international talent, and Sotto’s ceiling is high if given the right system.

Wrapping this up, the latest buzz suggests we might hear his name called on draft night, but it’s far from a lock. As someone who’s seen many prospects rise and fall, I’d put the odds at about 60-40 in favor of him getting drafted. It all comes down to team needs and how much they believe in his upside. So, will Kai Sotto finally get drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft? I’m leaning yes, but we’ll have to wait and see—it’s going to be an exciting finish to this long-awaited story.