Kai Sotto, a 7-foot-2 center from the Philippines, on Friday announced he will return to play with the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League for the 2022-23 season.
Sotto, a former four-star prospect, averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field in 23 games last season with the 36ers. He produced perhaps his best game of the season on April 10, when he recorded a career-high 21 points.
The 20-year-old declared for the NBA draft in April and worked out for at least seven teams throughout the process. However, he went undrafted on June 23 and ultimately did not join a team for summer league earlier this month.
Sotto previously signed with the NBA G League Ignite for the 2020-21 season but never suited up due to prior obligations with the Philippines national team. He was the first international player to sign a contract with the G League.
He will now have the opportunity to continue playing with the 36ers next season in an attempt to play in the NBA. The NBL has helped several players in recent memory make it to the NBA and Sotto looks to be the next in line after another year down under.
The 36ers begin next season on Oct. 13 versus the Tasmania JackJumpers.