Kai Sotto wants to have Joel Embiid’s game, Tim Duncan’s character

After Kai Sotto announced that he will be leaving the Philippines to pursue his NBA dream, the excitement about his prospects quickly reached fever pitch.

If he becomes the first full-blooded Filipino player to make it to the NBA, what kind of player could he be? Fans could not help but wonder.

With a lean 7-foot-1 frame, it's easy to compare him to Dallas Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis, dubbed as a "unicorn" for his rare combination of size, mobility, and skill.

Sotto himself likes the Latvian center when asked what kind of player he envisions himself to be.  But he also added two names: Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid and San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan.

"Mai-papattern ko din siguro 'yung sarili ko kay Joel Embiid dahil para sa akin ngayon siya na 'yung best na center ngayong generation na 'to," he said. "In the next five or six years baka maging MVP na din siya," he said.

Like Porzingis, Embiid is a modern big man. He can defend multiples positions, shoot from the perimeter, and has passing and ball handling skills.

In terms of character and attitude, however, Sotto said he wants to follow the footsteps of retired NBA star Duncan, his dad's NBA idol.

"'Yung leadership na nadadala niya sa team and 'yung relationship niya sa teammates niya and sa coach niya, 'yun 'yung parang gusto ko din matutunan ko at gusto ko rin ma-apply," he said of The Big Fundamental.

Sotto's father, former PBA player Ervin Sotto, said he sees the 16-year-old as being more suited to developing a European style of play.

"Para sa akin, sa US more on athleticism, explosiveness, winning culture," he said. "Pero pag pumunta ka sa European kind of basketball, iba e. Hindi sila nagsasalita. More on sa team concept sila, pero tatalunin ka nila sa utak."

The elder Sotto said NBA basketball nowadays is mixed with the Euro style, with lots of running game, ball screens, and team plays, which fits his son's skillset better as a mobile big man with a deft touch and good instincts.

Sotto received several offers from European ball clubs, including Real Madrid which produced Porzingis and super rookie Luka Doncic. —NB, GMA News