Is it too early to start looking at the 2021 NBA Draft? Because there is a certain G-League phenomenon that is modeling itself on Tim Duncan and dreams of becoming a Spur. It’s called Kai Sotto: an 18-year-old 7’1 ”center in the Philippines. (Various sites also list his height as 7’2 “and 7’3”.) He ranks as the 65th best player in the ESPN college basketball class of 2020, even though he dropped out of college and is going straight to the NBA G-League.
Specifically, he was recruited into the newly selected team known as Ignite: a new team founded as a means of giving players an alternative path to the NBA draft than college or playing overseas, along with income.
A team dedicated to developing top young players through a one-year program, NBA G League Ignite focuses on NBA Draft preparation and growth of professional life skills. The team will eventually be full of veteran players to help guide potential customers.
Ignite, which is not affiliated with any existing NBA NBA G League franchise or team, will participate in exhibition matches against other NBA G League teams and international clubs and will play 10-12 games that do not count towards the leaderboard.
Below is one of two international Ignite prospects, located in Walnut Creek, California. He recently did an interview with the sister site Daily networksAjayi Browne, a native Filipino, discussed many topics, including the different style of play between the US and Asia, having to explain his decision not to go to college to his mother, and so much more.
The whole thing is worth the reading. However, there was a quote that caught the eyes of Spurs fans:
Below he says he models himself on Tim Duncan and when asked which team in the playoffs he’d like to join if he could, he first said to me, “I mean Spurs, but Spurs aren’t in the playoffs anymore.”
This isn’t the first time Sotto has praised the GOATPUFF:
As for the mentality, Sotto unhesitatingly cited former San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan – widely regarded as one of the absolute greatest in his position, known as “The Big Fundamental” for his reliability.
“I really respect Tim Duncan. I always see him as this player who doesn’t need to speak badly of his opponents, doesn’t complain – it’s just me. Always see him locked up, and he’s a winner. This is who I want to be, “Sotto said.
Assuming the G-League picks up this coming season, Spurs fans may have even more reasons to watch than just to see what’s going on in Austin. Just another reason to look forward to the end of – (creepy musical performances) – 2020.
