Chooks boss hails Kai Sotto, vows continued support

MANILA, Philippines -- Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas is fully behind young big man Kai Sotto as he continues in his journey towards becoming the first homegrown Filipino to play in the NBA.

Sotto confirmed during his 18th birthday last week that he will forego college and instead join the NBA G League's professional pathway program, a risk that Mascariñas said is worth taking.

"In this time of a crisis, the news of him joining the G League was a development that brought light to our country," he said. "It is the road less taken but I know deep down that Kai had his family in mind when he made the decision to join the G League."

"Being a Filipino, he has a sense of responsibility to give back to his parents. For Kai, this is his way of making Ervin and Pamela proud," Mascariñas added.

By joining the G League, Sotto will have access to topnotch coaching both on the court and off it, while getting to play with other high-profile prospects including Jalen Green. Their select team is expected to face off against top level competition, including other G League teams and national teams.

Mascariñas recalled the first time he met Kai and his father Ervin back in 2017 when they were looking for someone to help finance Kai's training.

Even though he was just 15-years-old back then, Kai already had his parents and siblings in mind.

"When I first met with Kai and his family, I immediately thought that he was going to be special. And it's not because of his height," shared Mascariñas.

"At such a young age, Kai already knew that he had a responsibility to his family and his country. It was his determination to carry the nation's dream of producing an NBA player that made us decide to support him."

Though Sotto and his family are abroad, Chooks-to-Go continues to support them to ease some pressure off the family. Mascariñas vows that Chooks-to-Go will continue to support Kai as he enters a new chapter in his life.

"Maraming Pilipino ang nangangarap na maglaro sa NBA. Hindi iba si Kai. I can only wish that God will continue to bless Kai and his family in this very tough journey," he said.

"May he continue to be an inspiration to not just Filipinos but all dreamers and aspirants all over the world."

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PBA bigs says future is bright with Kai Sotto, other young guns around

A number of PBA big men all agreed that NBA G League bound Kai Sotto is among the future stars of Philippine basketball.

In an online talk, Marc Pingris, Asi Taulava, Poy Erram, June Mar Fajardo and Beau Belga, who all became part of the Philippine national team talked, about the upcoming stars who will take their place.

"For sure si Kai nandu'n," said San Miguel Beer star Fajardo. "Sobrang ganda ng training ni Kai ngayon, baka ako pa turuan nu'n."

Sotto, who recently announced he'll be joining the G League, has been part of Batang Gilas juniors team.

The 7-foot-2 center has shown vast potential that even former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao listed him as part of the men's national pool in the run-up to the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Besides Sotto, Taulava said Thirdy Ravena could be a future centerpiece, too, of Gilas.

"I think they're going to be the one or two who's going to be carrying the team," said Taulava.

Erram added: "Siyempre sila CJ Perez, hindi lang naman sa big man pero sa mga guards din. We stick to those guys (din) like sila CJ, sila Thirdy, sila (Robert) Bolick, sila Kiefer (Ravena)."

Meanwhile, Belga said Isaac Go could be an "enforcer" just like him.

"Excited ako sa kanya kasi nakasama ko siya sa Mighty (Sports). Naging roommate kami and nakita ko 'yung work ethic ng bata. Medyo aggressive siya para sa edad niya," Belga said.

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