Last Updated: April 28, 2020 myESPN Recruits. In 24 games, he shot 49.6% from the floor, 35.7% from 3-point range and 68.1% from the free throw line -- numbers that have drawn polarizing opinions from those who have followed Sotto's journey with close interest. He's also shooting just 40% at the rim in the half-court, converting 16 shots at the rim in 33 games. His passing and floor vision has garnered some attention over the years, but the potential has yet to fully materialize, as Sotto tallied more turnovers (32) than assists (14) in his first year with Adelaide. Stay on current site or go to US version. Whoever signs him will get a well-worth piece in their winning puzzle.". Just how high Tshiebwe gets drafted is what scouts are trying to determine, but a deep NCAA tournament run that includes strong showings against physical frontcourts could go a long way in solidifying his standing and potentially emerge as a first-round prospect. His play can open up an opportunity for a two-way contract later down the road. Williams isn't quite as feared defensively as you might expect considering his accolades, as you frequently see opposing teams post him up or challenge him in the pick-and-roll, where he's still a major work in progress. While Roddy is competitive with excellent instincts, his lateral quickness and ultimate position defensively at the NBA level is something scouts will want to gather more information about in the NCAA tournament. Here's a look at the two-round mock draft: ESPN NBA Mock Draft Chet Holmgren, PF (Gonzaga), Houston Rockets Jabari Smith, SF/PF (Auburn), Orlando Magic Paolo Banchero, PF/C (Duke), Indiana Pacers Can the Lions fix their defense? Kessler has had some issues dealing with physicality at times this season and has some limitations offensively for what NBA teams expect from a modern big man in terms of a shooting range that suppresses his upside to a degree -- all while, simultaneously, questions persist about the value of drafting centers in the first round.-- Givony, JD Davison goes behind his back for the absolute dime, Kennedy Chandler | Freshman | Tennessee | 6'1" | PG | Age: 19.4, When: No. Today, we're focusing on the rest of his game: His defense, his intangibles on and off the floor, and his potential future paths. The defensive end is where the junior will be studied most closely, as well as his ability to get to his spots off the dribble and get his shot off effectively despite his low, unorthodox release. NBA teams will want to see how Ivey steps up the plate and delivers for Purdue in high-leverage moments in what will be the most important games he has played in his college career, especially with the ball in his hands, provided Purdue's coaches trust him enough to give him the keys. His father, Ervin Sotto, and his godfather, Ranidel de Ocampo, played pro basketball in the Philippine Basketball Association. His fluidity and mobility is an intriguing aspect of his game and really stands out when rolling to the basket, where he had some vicious dunks," Smith said. What to watch for: We've truly never seen an NBA prospect quite like Holmgren: A shot-blocking, lob-catching, 3-point shooting, ballhandling 7-foot-1 "big man" with the fluidity of a guard and a relentlessness that doesn't match his slender, 195-pound frame. Six-time PBA champ 'Plastic Man' Saldaa remembered fondly following death at 64, Kai Sotto declares for 2022 NBA draft in hopes of fulfilling "ultimate dream", Kai Sotto claims NBL Fans' Most Valuable Player award. MANILA, Philippines - Kai Sotto has a huge uphill climb ahead of him after he declared for the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday, April 28. At the end of the day, the NBL is a highly-regarded league that is able to help ease prospects into the professionalism of next-level basketball. 11 - Kai Sotto. details for every deal for the 2022-23 season. The 20-year-old, 7'3 center played in 23 games for the 36ers this past season. If he can, that would go a long way in convincing execs the Iowa star isn't just a "high-floor NBA starter" but rather that his production is more than a product of Iowa's system and he belongs in the same conversation as Holmgren and Smith as a member of the draft's elite. Sotto was eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft because he is a 19-year-old talent one year removed from playing high school basketball. In the NBL, Sotto provided glimpses of what could come and averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in over 15 minutes. "Please pray for me and support me during my quest to fulfill my ultimate dream.". If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Yet when his jumper isn't falling (32% from 3 on the season), his physical limitations, lack of length, issues finishing, defensive inconsistencies and sometimes erratic decision-making are more pronounced. It's a sentiment echoed by another expert in Tim Smith, a New Zealand-based scout who keeps tabs on the leagues around the region. 2 seed in the Midwest. NBA Home Scores Schedule Standings Stats Teams Daily Lines All-Star Game More "I remember I really liked his passing for a big man but his body was a big problem. The flashes he shows as a passer and a multipositional defender on the perimeter are intriguing for a 6-foot-8 18-year-old, even if his ballhandling and perimeter shooting still have a ways to go to play on the wing full time and his frame is a little thin for a power forward. NBA personnel have been keeping track of him so he will have his fair chance of being considered," said Theodore Chan, Adelaide's scouting director. "He has the type of movement that allows him to find himself an open lane for big-time dunks and create open shots for himself.". -- Jonathan Givony. 4 Providence vs. No. "If Sotto can develop the things in his control, such as his strength, his awareness and his technique, he could grow into a strong rim protecting presence that could anchor an effective defense.". While he's comfortable operating with his back to the basket, he's also a creative ball-handler and outstanding passer who is converting 45% of his 3-pointers on the season, making him a huge mismatch that has lit up mid-major and high-major teams alike. "Kai is a positive influence who brings energy and effort to the team at practices and games everyday. Visit Instagram "I think mock draft boards are great for the general public's . Griffin has the type of physical profile NBA teams covet on the perimeter at 6-goot-6 and 225 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan. The ACC defensive player of the year is one of the best shot-blockers in this draft class and brings a consistent presence as a vertical spacer and an offensive rebounder for Duke, finishing 71% of his field goal attempts, with nearly half of those makes coming on dunks. One surprising stat: Sotto was also pretty good against ball-handlers in the pick and roll, where he defended a fourth-most 10.7 percent of the time. BASKETBALL; FOOTBALL; Player Traits Key In the first of our two-part series on 2022 NBA Draft hopeful Kai Sotto, ESPN talked to scouts and experts who cover Australia's National Basketball League about his decision to declare for the draft, as well as his production and upside on offense. Sotto posted up a lot -- about 19.3 percent of his offense came from the block, per InStat, which was the second-highest figure from his portfolio -- but Adelaide only scored 0.68 PPP during those trips, well below the league average of 0.89. "Continuing to find ways to maximize the value he gets out of his physical tools while he continues to work on improving the processing and shooting seems to be the current path for Kai," Smith offered. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? What version of Banchero will show up? Scouts will be watching how Duren looks as the competition level ramps up in the NCAA tournament and he is thrust outside of his comfort zone by different types of frontcourt matchups. 14 Longwood | Thursday | 2:45 p.m. | CBS. Kai Sotto 2022 NBA Draft Profile Amateur and Pro Career Born in Las Pinas, the Philippines, in 2002, Sotto began playing basketball at the age of four. Given Zach Edey's struggles staying on the floor late in games, Williams has a great opportunity to continue showcasing his passing, instincts and answering questions about his motor during what could be a lengthy Boilermakers run if Ivey is at his best.-- Schmitz, Keon Ellis | Senior | Alabama | 6'6" | SG/SF | Age: 22.1, Monday through Friday, host Pablo Torre brings you an inside look at the most interesting stories at ESPN, as told by the top reporters and insiders on the planet. "Having this opportunity to develop in the NBL is a great situation for Kai and I'd imagine he spends the next year or two in Australia as he continues to find his footing in the world of professional basketball," Smith explained. F1 Olympic Sports Athletics Cycling Golf Tennis NCAAF NHL X Games Rugby WWE Basketball Home PBA Schedule -- Givony, 13. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages. "I imagine Sotto goes undrafted, but even if he [isn't] picked up, he still has two years on his contract with the Adelaide 36ers, and the NBL is an excellent environment for giving Kai the resources and opportunity to further develop and work towards bigger opportunities.". 16 Georgia State | Thursday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT. Sotto, the 7-foot-3 wunderkind, made it at No. "There's no reason Sotto would not have the potential to be a productive contributor on the offensive end of the floor," Houben said. Today we look at Sotto's decision to declare for the draft and what he brings on offense. Governors' Cup Power Rankings: Is NorthPort's rise real? As the NBA draft draws closer, some teams have shown an increasing interest in Sotto's potential. Some of those improvements have reflected in Sotto's frame, one that he has filled out over the past couple of years and enabled him to keep up in a highly-physical NBL. In Adelaide, Sotto mostly subsisted on cuts and as a roll man in the pick and roll -- two of four play types where he derived most of his offense. The NCAA tournament officially starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball. -- Schmitz, Malaki Branham | Freshman | Ohio St. | 6'5" | SG | Age: 18.8. MANILA, Philippines Sports Illustrated has projected Kai Sotto as the No.49 overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in its mock draft for the 2022 NBA Draft. "I think mock draft boards are great for the general public's reference but don't entirely represent the full picture. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. We'll learn more about Christie's ability to take and make big shots in clutch moments during Michigan State's NCAA tournament run, which will either put scouts at ease about the 19-year-old's underwhelming freshman campaign or suggest that he clearly needs more seasoning at the collegiate ranks before making the pro leap. But in terms of his age, positional length (6-foot-11 wingspan), shooting and productivity, Branham checks a lot of the boxes teams look for in a young guard prospect. More mobile than overly quick or explosive, he'll have to rely more on skill than vertical pop in the NBA, making it that much more important that he is at least a threat from 3 to open up the rest of his game. Adelaide (109.9 defensive rating, sixth among 10 teams) held them to just 0.72 PPP during those possessions (league average is 0.86 PPP allowed), per InStat -- an indication that the big man pushed back when smaller attackers targeted him in the two-man game. "I have declared for the 2022 NBA Draft," wrote Sotto. "More minutes, along with another year of skill development and physical training, could only help his stock in the eyes of NBA evaluators.". Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers), Walker Kessler | Sophomore | Auburn | 7'1" | C | Age: 20.6, What to watch for: At 7-foot-1 and 245 pounds, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Kessler's appeal is readily evident on first glance. 1 Arizona vs. No. "I think mock draft boards are great for the general public's reference but don't entirely represent the full picture. Tshiebwe lacks some modern elements to his game, having a difficult time defending in space on the perimeter, scoring outside the paint and facilitating for others, but it's difficult to argue with his productivity and sheer intensity, which should give him a ready-made role early in his NBA career. (2:08). His upright stance on the perimeter and struggles covering ground fluidly are question marks projecting to the NBA level, as is the fact that the game simply moves too fast for him at times on both ends of the floor. (2:08). Smith is also a highly versatile defender who plays with outstanding intensity, switching all over the floor with quick feet and impressive energy. Jabari Smith helped guide Auburn to an unexpected 27-5 season and a No. In the first of our two-part series on 2022 NBA Draft hopeful Kai Sotto, ESPN talked to scouts and experts who cover Australia's National Basketball League about his decision to declare for the draft, as well as his production and upside on offense. The league loves him, the fans love him, and he will undoubtedly grow into one of the league's best big men if he continues to play in Australia," said Houben. His shooting stroke was apparent at times, but Sotto did not take enough 3s and attempted just 14 shots from beyond the arc through 24 games, including just four from the corners. Kai isnt the most agile big man so hell have to rely more on his great height and basketball instincts. Kai Sotto. ", "His mobility and awareness are above average at his height," Chan added. Before the NCAA Tournament ends, though, ESPN released an updated NBA mock draft, with the projected draft order based on ESPN's BPI ratings. Grading Kai Sotto: Defense and experience may put him behind other international prospects Skip to main content Skip to navigation Full Scoreboard > ESPN Search You have come to the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions, click here. 16 Texas-Southern/Texas A&M-CC | Thursday | 9:57 p.m. | truTV. Sotto was eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft because he is a 19-year-old talent one year removed from playing high school basketball. "Given his defensive motor and willingness to run the floor, I think he has the right mindset suited for the NBA," said Chan. His decision to make the NBA jump despite having two more years left on his Adelaide contract (with a team option on the final year) did not come as a surprise to the 36ers. 2 Kentucky vs. No. His decision to make the NBA jump despite having two more years left on his Adelaide contract (with a team option on the final year) did not come as a surprise to the 36ers. 14 Yale | Friday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS. Breaking down the top prospects for the 2022 NBA Draft | NBA Today 229,202 views Feb 3, 2022 2K Dislike Share Save ESPN 8.61M subscribers Mike Schmitz joins NBA Today to discuss the. Caine Purnell, who works for scouting agency ID Prospects, says strength is still a valid concern heading into the draft. With rival Asian leagues circling, is the five-year college player a thing of the past in the Philippines? Despite . With rival Asian leagues circling, is the five-year college player a thing of the past in the Philippines? LSU was delivered a major blow when Eason's coach, Will Wade, was dismissed Saturday due to recruiting violation allegations, and the Tigers will need their best player to emerge as a leader on and off the court. At 6-foot-6, he sees quite a few minutes at center, which he can thrive at thanks to his 260-pound frame. "There's no doubt that Sotto is a skilled big man -- his touch, particularly on short floaters, stood out as a skill he can use to get points around the rim, and he had some fun moments as a lob threat as well. While undersized for the power forward position he mostly plays, Harper's 245-pound frame and near 7-foot wingspan allows him to play bigger than his height. What to watch for: Eason wasn't particularly well-known upon transferring from Cincinnati to LSU, but he made the transition to the most talented conference in college basketball look easy in emerging as a first-team All-SEC player, scoring in bunches and filling up the box score despite coming off the bench. Can Liddell score efficiently against NBA-caliber rim protectors? However, he decided to forgo his college eligibility and join the NBA G League Ignite. Kai Sotto's NBA draft quest falls short as teams pass on the Filipino prospect You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions, click above. His play can open up an opportunity for a two-way contract later down the road. Chet Holmgren will be trying to lead No. It's a sentiment echoed by another expert in Tim Smith, a New Zealand-based scout who keeps tabs on the leagues around the region. How Oftana and Lastimosa went from Dumaguete dreamers to Gilas, Already a standout walk-on, La Salle's Ben Phillips looks to make his mark on another court, 'It's a fans' game': Tiongson, Ahanmisi move on from All-Star snubs, The seven biggest 2023 PBA All-Star omissions, and the players who took their spots, A night of nostalgia: Toyota Tamaraws celebrate 50th anniversary, Kai Sotto's second season mirrors 36ers' ups and down. Philippines International . What to watch for: Agbaji has been one of the NCAA's most consistent players, reaching double figures in scoring and knocking down at least one 3-pointer in 32 of 33 games while also converting a remarkable 75% of his shots at the rim. 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