Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16) – Filipino center Kai Sotto got his first taste of semi-professional play on Wednesday, despite his team losing against a group of NBA G-League veterans in a scrimmage.
The 7-foot-2 big man tallied five points, five rebounds, and two blocks in his first game with Team Ignite as they bowed to G-League Veterans, 107-113, in an exhibition game held at Walnut Creek, California.
Despite converting only one of his five attempts from the field, Ignite head coach Brian Shaw commended the continuing improvement of Sotto in his game.
“He’s getting stronger, building stamina. He’s learning to use his length. His biggest impact for us is on the defensive end,” said Shaw.
Sotto’s teammate and Filipino-American guard Jalen Green, one of the projected lottery picks for the 2021 NBA Draft, added 22 points and seven rebounds in the losing effort. Congolese forward Jonathan Kuminga led the scoring for Team Ignite with 26 points and eight rebounds.
Team Ignite, composed of young prospects who are looking to make it into the NBA, also featured former pro players Amir Johnson and Jeremy Lin. Both played limited minutes in the game.
DJ Hogg and London Perrantes both chipped in 18 points to lead the NBA G-League veterans to victory.
