By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Kai Sotto is slowly learning how hoop life goes around in the United States after spending his past years training in America.
Although busy with his training, the Filipino basketball sensation still found time to do the things he liked outside the court.
Since stepping foot on American soil, Sotto always thought of sharing the knowledge he learned overseas to his kababayans in the Philippines, proof of this is his mentorship to Cholo Anonuevo from FEU who flew to the US and train with him.
After one year and a half of hardships and bitter-sweet experiences, the 7-foot-2 center is set to open his first sports academy named Kaiju Academy.
“It is a dream come true to mentor young athletes globally. Kaiju is the Japanese term for monster, beast, strange creature, and it perfectly captures the ideal basketball competitor that I aim to be. Basketball isn’t easy and sometimes, it will knock you down more than it builds you up. I wanted my brand and my Academy to be about resilience,” said Sotto.
Sotto’s Kaiju Academy will be located in Spooky Nook. Considered to be the largest indoor sports complex in North America, the academy is set to open in 2021.
Currently, Sotto is still continuing his workouts and training in preparation for his NBA G-league debut and will try to exceed the NBA scouts’ expectations.
“It’s what I want my legacy to be and it’s embedded deep in my soul. I want to give back to both young men and young women around the world who want to better themselves and reach their athletic dreams,” added Sotto.
