Kai Sotto’s NBA dream still alive

Despite signing a contract extension with his Japanese club, Kai Sotto's bid to become the first full-blooded Filipino to play in the National Basketball Association is still alive.

Hiroshima Dragonflies general manager Shuji Okazaki said they are very much willing to release Sotto should he land a contract with an NBA team.

The 7-foot-4 Sotto signed a one-year contract extension with the Dragonflies amid reports that he will be part of the Utah Jazz training camp next week.

Should Sotto perform well and make a lot of heads turn in the Summer League in Las Vegas in July, there is a strong possibility that he will crack into the opening night roster of an NBA team despite going undrafted last year.

Okazaki said they will not bar Sotto from pursuing his NBA dream.

"There is an option to sign with an NBA team in his contract, so if he signs with an NBA team this summer, there is a possibility that his contract with Hiroshima will be canceled," Okazaki said.

"In that situation, we as a club are prepared with another option. Around September, we are scheduled to officially announce the contact situation of Kai Sotto."

Sotto is returning to the Japanese B. League after averaging 8.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 assists per game in his maiden season.

He, however, failed to lead the Dragonflies to the title as they bombed out after posting a 41-18 record for a sixth-place finish.

Still, the NBA remains Sotto's ultimate dream.

"I am so grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity. The NBA is my biggest dream, so I will continue to work hard in the United States this summer," the 21-year-old Sotto said.

"To all the Dragonflies fans, I know there may be some irregularities next season, but I will do my best in the given environment so that I can give you good news."