Kai Sotto believes B.League showing ‘only going to get better’ as he adjusts

MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto admitted that his debut in Japan’s B League was not what he expected, but he is confident that things will get better for him and the Hiroshima Dragonflies as the 2022-23 season continues.

The 7-foot-3 center had 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting and had three blocks, two rebounds, and a steal in just 19 minutes as the Dragonflies fell to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, 86-78, on Wednesday in Okinawa. Arena.

“My performance today was not the best, but I believe it can be better because it is my first day in this league, so I can still adapt. [everything]. It’s only going to get better,” Sotto said in an interview after the game.

The Dragonflies fell to 28-11 as Sotto’s former high school rival and Gilas teammate Carl Tamayo got the last laugh despite sitting out his first B.League game.

‘lots of POSITIVE’

But Sotto said being the starter in the first B.League game made his debut more special despite the loss.

“Starting or not starting doesn’t really matter as long as I know I can help the team every game. Being a starter for my first game is special because I can just see how much my team and coach believe in me,” Sotto said. “We didn’t win the game, but there was a lot to see. I’m looking forward to the next game.

Sotto, who played two seasons with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League, said he has had a smooth transition so far with the Dragonflies.

“My transition from the NBL to here has been good. I’m playing here because I want to keep playing. I want to be good so I have a lot of energy from the beginning. I’m really happy to play this game,” he said. “We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we learned a lot from this game and are looking forward to the next game.”

Sotto and the Dragonflies will face Matthew Wright’s Kyoto Hannaryz on Wednesday. The Filipino prodigy looked to increase his presence in the game as he only had two rebounds.

“Maybe that’s the most important thing I need to work on for the next game because rebounding and defending the rim is my biggest job. I have to get better,” Sotto said. “I had a few rebounds today. I know that will be key for me going into the next game.

“I just have to keep that presence inside [because] that will help my team. I’m proud to defend paint. The next game I’m just going to be better, the team is going to be better, so I’m excited,” he said.

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