US sports analyst names Kai Sotto as ‘big-time prospect’ for NCAA basketball

A sports analyst from the United States has called Filipino cager Kai Sotto a "big-time prospect" in college basketball as the teen star made an unofficial visit to the University of Kentucky on Tuesday.

247Sports analyst Evan Daniels, who first reported Sotto's visit to UK, was impressed by the former Ateneo Blue Eaglet's skills after scouting his games in the FIBA U-19 World Cup in July and the FIBA U-17 World Cup last year.

"He's legit over seven-feet tall and, for his size, has very good mobility, a very good set of hands, and really nice touch around the basket. He's got some scoring moves in his arsenal," Daniels told the Herald-Leader, a newspaper from the city of Lexington.

"He can step away from the rim and play out of the high post. He can make jump shots all the way out to the high school three-point line," he added. " The offensive package is pretty advanced and continues to get better. From a talent standpoint, he's pretty gifted."

Let the fun begin! Legends begin their lives here! pic.twitter.com/P73tIeoe7O

— Kai Sotto (@kzsottolive) December 9, 2019

Sotto and his family flew to the United States after the UAAP season 81 to further advance his basketball career. He has reportedly received offers from various European clubs such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

He is currently playing for The Skills Factory, a prep team based in Atlanta, Georgia. ESPN ranked him 11th among prospects playing the center position.

"I don’t think he's a project at all. His talent, if he plays college basketball, could certainly be immediately impactful," Daniels said. "There are a lot of schools calling on him. And I think he’s going to set up some other unofficial visits."

Sotto also visited Georgia Tech after his trip to Kentucky.

Thank you Coach Josh and @GTMBB for a great visit and the vision you shared. #ACCstrong pic.twitter.com/0wPugULieh

— Kai Sotto (@kzsottolive) December 11, 2019

Daniels said Sotto was "extremely thin and physically weak" last year but he has since gained some 10-12 pounds and the added weight has helped him, along with the experience of playing "high-caliber opposition" in the United States.

"He does have a good feel for the game," the analyst said. "This is a kid with a pretty decorated international career playing in FIBA stuff. He's been the star on all those Philippines teams. The feel is there. There’s a high basketball IQ. There’s a skill and offensive package that’s really impressive for a 17-year old."

Kentucky produced notable NBA big men such as Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns, while two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh is a Georgia Tech alum. — RSJ, GMA News