Sotto: Defense on his mind.
Orlando Magic photo
Defense on Kai Sotto’s mind
DEFENSE will be the main focus for Kai Sotto after making his debut with the Orlando Magic in the NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas last Friday.
Sotto finished with six points on 3-of-7 shooting, four rebounds, one assist and three blocks in more than 13 minutes of action in Orlando’s 71-88 setback to the Portland Tralblazers at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The 7-3 Sotto, who is hoping to become the first homegrown Filipino to play in the NBA, is satisfied with his first game with the Magic after missing the first three outings.
“I feel like it’s a good first game, just to go out there and compete. You know, it’s not a good day, we didn’t win but we’ll learn a lot from this game,” said Sotto in the post-game interview posted on the official Orlando Magic page.
Asked what did he learn and want to improve after his first game, the 21-year-old pride of Las Piñas pointed to his defense.
“My biggest factor is defensively, so that’s what I gotta keep on working on, protecting the paint, guarding perimeter. For me, it’s just impacting the game defensively,” said Sotto.
“For me, it’s just maximizing each and every possession, especially when I get out there. Offensively and defensively, I just want to be solid,” added Sotto
“I’ll take a few pretty good lesson defensively, just gotta work on better looks and gotta make chance for the next games. So, we just gotta bounce back.”
The Gilas Pilipinas admitted he can do more.
“I mean, I didn’t really play a lot, but that was just emphasizing on myself, just the inside presence especially defensively. Obviously, I’m one of the tallest players out there, maybe I am the tallest, so I gotta help my team take the paint when I am in there,” said Sotto.
“And offensively, you know, it’ll come to me. I’m a good teammate, so I’m really a willing passer for a big guy. So, I’m just gonna let the game come to me offensively. But defensively, that’s where I’m doing my work.”
His favorite play of the game?
“Maybe one of the (three) blocks. That’s like the moment where I’m getting out,” he said. “Or maybe Dexter Dennis’ dunk. It was pretty nice.”
The former Ateneo player also claimed the NBA games are more fast-paced.
“I think the game in the NBzs Summer League is just more fast-paced. There’s a lot of young players who are trying to prove that they can play in the NBA. The NBA environment is so pretty fast-paced, everybody’s pretty skilled, everybody’s hungry to show that they’re worthy of a roster spot. So, it’s competitive, and it’s nice to finally go out there and play. Yeah, it’s a good feeling.
He is also happy with the crowd support.
“It feels good. I mean, obviously to anybody that’s playing and to have a lot of guys cheer for you, it’s a blessing. It’s just for me, to do my part and show my one hundred perfect effort every game, so hopefully, I make them happy and proud. ,”
On his Filipino fans, Sotto said
“First of all, I’m very happy to be here. it’s a blessing each and every day to be out here and experiencing all of this. I’m just happy to be supported by a lot of people and that’s one of the things I think about every day when I wake up. And something to look forward to push myself and hopefully I make them proud.
“After this, I’ll be back home so I’ll see everybody else.”
