Kai Sotto speaks about NBA Summer League experience: ‘Been enjoying the process’

Kai Sotto, for a second straight game, was not able to see any minutes for the Orlando Magic in their campaign in the 2023 NBA Summer League.

The 7-foot-3 Filipino wunderkind was a DNP (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) in the Magic's two losses against the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers so far.

But Sotto showed an appreciation for the entirety of the Summer League process as he spoke in a video posted by NBA Philippines on social media on Tuesday.

"It's pretty good so far. [I've] been enjoying the process," Sotto said.

"We started training in Orlando and then now in Vegas so it's been fun. [I'm] surrounded by really good guys and coaches. It's been a fun experience so far."

Sotto is eyeing to become the first-ever homegrown Filipino cager to make it to the NBA. But apart from what he gets to show in practice, he has not had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Summer League tournament itself.

Still, the Gilas Pilipinas big man stressed he's trying to make the most of his time with the Magic, adding that he'll be ready whenever head coach Dylan Murphy calls his name.

"I'm just trying to show the coaches that I'm a good teammate and that I'm a good player. I'll be ready whenever they call my name. I'll be a positive guy on the corner, on the bench," Sotto said.

"I'm just like a sponge--just trying to learn from everybody, from all the things that's happening to us."

Sotto also said that his stint in the NBA Summer League is part of representing the Philippines.

"I feel like everywhere I go, I represent the Philippines so I just have to be aware of my actions," he added.

"And as I said, you know, here in the Summer League, I just got to put in the work and stay ready when the coach calls my name."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News