Michael Houben, a scouting expert for the Australian independent basketball publication "The Pick and Roll," said Sotto's decision to head to the draft felt buoyed mostly by a strong finish in the last five games of the NBL season. F1 Olympic Sports Athletics Cycling Golf Tennis NCAAF NHL X Games Rugby WWE Basketball Home PBA Schedule After attempting just 2.3 free throws per 40 minutes in 34 games, Griffin -- who has looked like a potential top-five pick at times and at others a one-dimensional gunner -- must demonstrate he is more than just a standstill shooter and a willing, engaged defender. Sotto drew nothing but compliments about his work ethic and demeanor during his year in the NBL, where experts and colleagues took note of his energy and poise throughout the season. Mathurin's decision-making in high-leverage moments also will be closely scrutinized. "Further growth as a passer as he matures and the games slows down for him will also be extremely helpful, as he has shown a certain level of vision at previous levels of play.". "I think he's very unique compared to all overseas and American prospects. What to watch for: South Dakota State will be a popular upset pick in their opening round game against Providence, since the 30-4 Jackrabbits haven't lost in more than three months and will have the best pro prospect on the court in Scheierman. Jabari Smith helped guide Auburn to an unexpected 27-5 season and a No. Brown's productivity has really fluctuated against better competition, which makes sense considering his limitations in the skill department. He was part of the initial 33-man list of such prospects, per . Scheierman doesn't really look the part at first glance with his underwhelming frame and clear lack of length, quickness and explosiveness, but he's a savant passer with a competitive streak who plays with excellent pace and is not afraid to pull up in transition from 30 feet. "Having this opportunity to develop in the NBL is a great situation for Kai and I'd imagine he spends the next year or two in Australia as he continues to find his footing in the world of professional basketball," Smith explained. Governors' Cup Power Rankings: Is NorthPort's rise real? May 9, 2022 1:40 pm ET. Hes been focused on basketball all is life and it shows in his skill level, passing and great understanding of the game. In honor of March Madness, ESPN's NBA draft experts Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz have complied a mock draft with just players participating in the NCAA tournament. Per tracking data from InStat, the 36ers scored 1.33 points per possession (PPP) with Sotto as a cutter and 1.17 PPP when he was involved as a roller, both marks above the league average (1.09 and 1.02 PPP, respectively). In the first of our two-part series on 2022 NBA Draft hopeful Kai Sotto, ESPN talked to scouts and experts who cover Australia's National Basketball League about his decision to declare for the draft, . What to watch for: One of the most improved players in college, Liddell has turned himself into a first-round pick by modernizing his game on both ends of the floor as a powerful 4/5. Running off screens, pulling up in transition, making iso step-back jumpers and hitting impossible fadeaways out of the post -- seemingly no shot is too difficult for the 18-year-old thanks to his high release point and soft touch. Sotto can still land a contract and play in the Summer League in July. Stock watch: Which players are on the move during Champ Week? What to watch for: Smith has emerged as one of the most dynamic shooters in college, converting 43% of his 3-pointers despite standing 6-foot-10. Listen, What to watch for: A junior college transfer who played a minor role last season, Ellis has emerged as a draftable option as a senior at Alabama, converting 36% of his 3-pointers while guarding everyone from point guards to power forwards. On to. Kai Sotto's hope of realizing a nation's NBA dreams depends on whether the league will favor potential over results. "While his late season performances certainly helped, it felt like only a glimpse of his potential, and with those flashes, it felt like another season in the NBL would have seen him play a bigger role that could've highlighted his game even more," Houben said. What to watch for: No player offers the same type of size, strength and shot creation that Duke star Banchero brings to the table at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds. If Sotto goes undrafted in June, a couple of alternative routes await. He fits an obvious mold as a strong-framed, 6-foot-6 wing who can space the floor from well beyond the NBA line, shoot running off screens or pulling up off the dribble, and finish explosively in the open floor. Houben and New Zealand-based scout Tim Smith cited players like projected lottery pick Ousmane Dieng, Hugo Besson of France, Australia's Makur Maker and Luke Travers, Lee Hyun-Jung of Korea, and China's Zeng Fanbo and Guo Haowen as names likely to get called ahead of the Filipino big man. He was part of the initial 33-man list of such prospects, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony: This "also-eligible" list (33 players) includes: Dominick Barlow, Marjon Beauchamp, Dyson Daniels, Michael Foster, Jaden Hardy, Jean Montero, Kok Yat and Fanbo Zeng. "Given his defensive motor and willingness to run the floor, I think he has the right mindset suited for the NBA," said Chan. The ACC defensive player of the year is one of the best shot-blockers in this draft class and brings a consistent presence as a vertical spacer and an offensive rebounder for Duke, finishing 71% of his field goal attempts, with nearly half of those makes coming on dunks. His play can open up an opportunity for a two-way contract later down the road. Sotto drew nothing but compliments about his work ethic and demeanor during his year in the NBL, where experts and colleagues took note of his energy and poise throughout the season. 9 Marquette | Thursday | 4:30 p.m. | TBS, What to watch for: Lewis is a scoring forward with NBA tools standing 6-foot-7 with a powerful 245-pound frame and a huge 7-foot-2 wingspan. What to watch for: The youngest player projected to be drafted, Duren has played some of his best basketball of the season as of late, helping Memphis surge into the postseason. You have come to the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions, click here. A day after Sotto declared for. Jonathan Givony is an NBA Draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and International teams. The 2.18-meter center -- who . I think it would be even worse and he would struggle a fair bit against stronger post players. 16 Georgia State | Thursday | 4:15 p.m. | TNT. A post shared by Kai Zachary Sotto (@kzsotto). Even so, a possible callup in the second round remains within the realm of possibility. Scouts will want to see if he can turn that talent into consistent and efficient production - on both ends -- in do-or-die games that matter before anointing him a surefire first-round pick. 12 Richmond | Thursday | 3:10 p.m. | truTV. The 6-foot-6 Summit league player of the year wears many hats as their primary facilitator, leading rebounder and 47% 3-point shooter, sliding between the point guard and power forward spots for an up-tempo, undersized team that ranks as the best 3-point shooting team in the country. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. In the first of our two-part series on 2022 NBA Draft hopeful Kai Sotto, ESPN talked to scouts and experts who cover Australia's National Basketball League about his decision to declare for the draft, as well as his production and upside on offense. In general, catch-and-shoot shots (8.5 percent) and pick and pops (4.5 percent) comprised a small percentage of his shots, and Adelaide was below average in possessions that involved Sotto in those plays, per InStat. What to watch for: Branham is a long-armed, 6-foot-5 off guard who can score the ball at all three levels and defend his position, and he holds some untapped upside as a secondary ball handler in the Caris LeVert mold. "Kai is a positive influence who brings energy and effort to the team at practices and games everyday. SNEAK PEAK OF THE TOP CENTER OF NBA DRAFT CLASS OF 2022 WERE OUR HOPE KAI SOTTO WILL SEAL HIS SPOT TO ENTER THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (NBA)#adelai. The 2.18-meter center -- who . . People will realize . Does Liddell project as more of an energy guy or is he the next collegiate winner who scouts will overlook because of his less-than-stellar measurables, underrating his incredible intangibles, productivity and toughness? He also has gradually emerged as a more consistent force in Purdue's half-court offense, doing a better job of harnessing his explosiveness, picking his spots and making others better, even if his decision-making still leaves something to be desired at times. Washington, there are players in Lewis' mold having success in the NBA. After not appearing in any major mock drafts for the past few months -- including ESPN's big board, which lists the 7-foot-3 center as the 11th-best prospect at center -- the Filipino talent cracked Sports Illustrated's post-combine top 60 released on May 24 and is reportedly in line for a workout with NBA teams. The defensive end is where the junior will be studied most closely, as well as his ability to get to his spots off the dribble and get his shot off effectively despite his low, unorthodox release. ", Scouting Report: Kai Sotto | The Jump (2:08), Kai Sotto's defense and experience may put him behind other international prospects. Still, there's a near consensus that he still has a lot of work to do before becoming a no-brainer pick for a spot on an NBA roster. Sotto managed to carve out a niche in the NBL, albeit in a limited role, because of his unusual blend of size and mobility. What version of Banchero will show up? Skip to main content Skip to navigation > ESPN Search You have come to the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions, click here. His shooting stroke was apparent at times, but Sotto did not take enough 3s and attempted just 14 shots from beyond the arc through 24 games, including just four from the corners. Sotto posted up a lot -- about 19.3 percent of his offense came from the block, per InStat, which was the second-highest figure from his portfolio -- but Adelaide only scored 0.68 PPP during those trips, well below the league average of 0.89. The NCAA tournament officially starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball. -- Givony, TyTy Washington Jr. | Freshman | Kentucky | 6'4" | PG/SG | Age: 20.3, When: No. "In terms of exposure, the NBL is a fast growing league in both namesake and credibility and has given some prospects over the past few years the platform they need to showcase their skills. If nothing materializes there, an NBL return is always on the table, as he still has two more years (with the second a team option) on the original three-year deal he signed with Adelaide. 11 Rutgers | Wednesday | 9:10 p.m. | truTV, What to watch for: Wesley is a dynamic shot-creating guard who burst onto the scene as a surprise one-and-done and has piqued the interest of NBA scouts with his ability to go get a bucket off the dribble like few guards, sharing some similarities to a guard such as James Bouknight at the same stage. - The Philippines' best prospect Kai Sotto may not be a popular name in major mock drafts, but he is a legitimate NBA talent in the eyes of many teams. Who is the player of the year in every women's college basketball conference? The 32 teams are set: Who's in and who's out for FIBA World Cup 2023? -- Givony, 49. His fluidity and mobility is an intriguing aspect of his game and really stands out when rolling to the basket, where he had some vicious dunks," Smith said. 16 Norfolk State | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | TBS. 15 Jacksonville State | Friday | 12:40 p.m. | truTV. Stay on current site or go to US version. Scouts will be watching his ballhandling and passing to try to determine if he projects as more than a 3-and-D style wing, as over 50% of his offense comes by way of transition and spot-ups. NBA Draft News Best Available Teams Get the App Sotto averaged 11.6 points on 52.6 percent shooting along with 4.2 boards and 1.2 swats while breaching double-digit scoring in three of those contests. 7 Murray State vs. No. His skill sets and physical advantages position him to play versatile lineups down the road. While he's comfortable operating with his back to the basket, he's also a creative ball-handler and outstanding passer who is converting 45% of his 3-pointers on the season, making him a huge mismatch that has lit up mid-major and high-major teams alike. Kai Sotto's hope of realizing a nation's NBA dreams depends on whether the league will favor potential over results. 8 North Carolina vs. No. On June 24, Facebook page "NBA World" uploaded a screenshot of a fake tweet from American sports reporter Shams Charania. -- Givony, Justin Lewis | Sophomore | Marquette | 6'7" | SF/PF | Age: 19.9, When: No. Sotto managed to carve out a niche in the NBL, albeit in a limited role, because of his unusual blend of size and mobility. 11 - Kai Sotto. The 2022 NBA draft is just over a week away, but the wheeling and dealing has already begun. Gilas Pilipinas fall short against Jordan on road to FIBA World Cup, PBA Governors' Cup Import Rankings: Kevin Murphy powers NorthPort's surge. ", Scouting Report: Kai Sotto | The Jump (2:08), Kai Sotto's defense and experience may put him behind other international prospects. 1 Kansas vs. No. He lacks a degree of strength and explosiveness, converting just 44% from 2-point range. NBA teams will want to see how Ivey steps up the plate and delivers for Purdue in high-leverage moments in what will be the most important games he has played in his college career, especially with the ball in his hands, provided Purdue's coaches trust him enough to give him the keys. Data from InStat state that Adelaide hemorrhaged points when Sotto defended the roll man in the pick and roll (16 percent of his defensive possessions, second most) and gave up 1.37 PPP -- way above the league mean. Can the Lions fix their defense? Scouts will have a close eye on Banchero's defensive intensity and off-ball awareness, as his inconsistency on that end of the floor is a big reason why he has taken a back seat to two-way prospects such as Holmgren and Smith. Note: The projected 2022 draft order is based on the previous NBA mock draft from Feb. 23. 13 Akron | Thursday | 9:50 p.m. | TBS, 33. Sotto was eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft because he is a 19-year-old talent one year removed from playing high school basketball. "With Kai's progression throughout the season, it was within expectation Kai would declare for the 2022 Draft. BASKETBALL; FOOTBALL; Player Traits Key Over time I think he continues to get stronger, and his muscle growth has been very promising, but he isn't strong enough just yet.". 1 pick. How Oftana and Lastimosa went from Dumaguete dreamers to Gilas, Already a standout walk-on, La Salle's Ben Phillips looks to make his mark on another court, 'It's a fans' game': Tiongson, Ahanmisi move on from All-Star snubs, The seven biggest 2023 PBA All-Star omissions, and the players who took their spots, A night of nostalgia: Toyota Tamaraws celebrate 50th anniversary, Kai Sotto's second season mirrors 36ers' ups and down. 12 Wyoming | Tuesday | 9:10 p.m. | truTV, Julian Strawther | Sophomore | Gonzaga | 6'7" | SF | Age: 19.9, Moussa Diabate | Freshman | Michigan | 6'10" | PF/C | Age: 20.1, Ron Harper Jr. | Senior | Rutgers | 6'6" | SF/PF | Age: 21.9. Asked if this means Sotto might be limited mostly to defending in drop coverage as to being able to defend in more aggressive schemes in the NBA, Houben concurred. 2 Duke vs. No. 14 Colgate | Friday | 9:50 p.m. | TBS, The most improved player in college, Davis went from role player to superstar in the span of an offseason after winning a gold medal with USA Basketball. Although talented with the ball both as a scorer and occasional distributor, the game is still slowing down for Wesley, who can be a bit wild as a decision-maker, which shows in his inefficiency from 3 (31%) and struggles around the rim (42% in the half court). 1, a loaded LPGA field and more to watch in golf this week, How to watch PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational on ESPN+, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, Everything you need to know about F1's 2023 season, F1 season preview: Who's hot and who's not, Breaking down the latest in 2024 football recruiting, from top commits to March visits, Oral history: When Barcelona, Real Madrid played four Clasicos in 18 days back in 2011, LIVE Transfer Talk: Gvardiol, Bellingham named Real Madrid's top transfer targets, The Chet Holmgren 'problem' is he's a one-of-a-kind NBA prospect. "Kai had a more productive NBL season statistically than I think many were expecting him to, but as it remains, there is still room for improvement," Smith said. A darling of NBA analytics models thanks to the way he has filled up box scores his entire career, strong showings against high-major competition in the NCAA tournament and pre-draft process would go a long way in validating his production at the low-major level and proving his pass-dribble-shoot game translates. Governors' Cup Power Rankings: Is NorthPort's rise real? ESPN's mock draft (ESPN) ESPN's Jonathan Givony delivered his latest mock draft on Nov. 17. On the other hand, Michael Houben -- a scouting expert for the Australian independent basketball publication "The Pick and Roll" -- was not as optimistic and called his defense "a very clear limitation at this point in time for Sotto.". "More minutes, along with another year of skill development and physical training, could only help his stock in the eyes of NBA evaluators.". He averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 15.3 minutes per game. He is an ambidextrous, straight-line driver who also can play some pick-and-roll and punish smaller defenders with turnarounds over either shoulder. 2 seed in the Midwest. Charlotte Hornets (Hawks if 19 to 30), E.J. Only two players in the country average at least 13 points, five rebounds and four assists while shooting at least 50% from 2 and 40% from 3 -- Moore and Baylor Scheierman of South Dakota State. It has . 2022 NBA Mock Draft Commentary The Bucks are forced to forfeit their 2022 2nd round pick due to improper free agent contact (Bogdanovic) The Heat are forced to forfeit their 2022 2nd round pick due to improper free agent contact 2022 1st Round NBA MOCK DRAFTS: Older Mocks - 2019 - 2020 - 2021 - 2022 - 2023 - 2024 - 2025 - 2026 Twitter Facebook Kai Sotto is projected to land in the second round of the NBA rookie draft, according to the recent mock draft of US-based outlet Sports Illustrated. His upright stance on the perimeter and struggles covering ground fluidly are question marks projecting to the NBA level, as is the fact that the game simply moves too fast for him at times on both ends of the floor. His passing and floor vision has garnered some attention over the years, but the potential has yet to fully materialize, as Sotto tallied more turnovers (32) than assists (14) in his first year with Adelaide. 2 Kentucky vs. No. In the eyes of these experts, Sotto lags behind his fellow international draft prospects and might have to wait a bit before being able to get a shot at playing in the NBA. When Christie's jumper is falling, it's easy to see him getting looks in the late first-round, projecting somewhere between Landry Shamet and Primo on his best days. Search Players; Articles; News; Blogs; Forum; BLACK LIVES MATTER. Sochan's upside and draft stock will ultimately be decided by the type of shooter NBA teams think he can become, as he has converted just 29.2% of his 3s and 57.5% of his free throws. While thin, he's also a competitive defender who rebounds, gets in passing lanes and plays with outstanding energy. -- Givony, Trevion Williams | Senior | Purdue | 6'10" | C | Age: 21.4. Smith, meanwhile, says the NBL is a great avenue for Kai to continue growing as a professional at this stage in his young career. What to watch for: Eason wasn't particularly well-known upon transferring from Cincinnati to LSU, but he made the transition to the most talented conference in college basketball look easy in emerging as a first-team All-SEC player, scoring in bunches and filling up the box score despite coming off the bench. Stay on current site or go to US version. "More minutes, along with another year of skill development and physical training, could only help his stock in the eyes of NBA evaluators.". Draft Results: 2022 Draft Results and Instant Analysis, Draft Recap: Thoughts On How The 2022 NBA Draft Played Out, 2023 NBA Mock Draft 2024 NBA Mock Draft, 10 Elite High School Freshmen, Class of 2025. NBA Draft 2023 News - ESPN Draftcast Skip to main content Skip to navigation Search You have come to the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions, click here. Before the NCAA Tournament ends, though, ESPN released an updated NBA mock draft, with the projected draft order based on ESPN's BPI ratings. He's an active offensive rebounder and a defensive playmaker. He is a steady offensive presence with his ability to catch difficult passes, hammer home lobs, finish with touch around the basket and make good decisions out of short rolls. As the field of 68 eventually gets down to one team left standing with the championship trophy, some of the top NBA prospects will be on display. Scouts will be closely analyzing whether or not Moore takes a back seat in important moments or takes ownership as one of the lone upperclassmen during a Blue Devils NCAA tournament run. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? He's an outstanding rebounder, Kansas' best rim-protector, and is converting 38% of his 3-pointers, making him one of the more versatile wing players in this class. Owning the rights to 21 first-round picks and 34 total draft picks through 2028, the Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to be very aggressive in the 2022 NBA Draft. "He has the type of movement that allows him to find himself an open lane for big-time dunks and create open shots for himself.". "The first thing that stands out with Kai is that the size is very real. But there is belief Sotto can build around those figures in order to raise his ceiling and find a place on offense in the modern NBA. Kai Sotto 2022 NBA Draft Profile Amateur and Pro Career Born in Las Pinas, the Philippines, in 2002, Sotto began playing basketball at the age of four. He is a natural with the ball in his hands, changing speeds and directions at will to either generate offense for himself or his teammates. ", "His mobility and awareness are above average at his height," Chan added. Banchero is the type of offensive talent who can take over a game, and doing so when it matters most would be a great way to remind NBA executives why he was once considered the early favorite for the No. Sotto, of course, still has to cover more ground in terms of his build in order to stick around in a league where the world's best athletes reside. While Washington isn't the most dynamic player or overly shifty ball handler, scouts will be studying his ball skills and ability to break down his man, as he has been far more efficient and effective against lesser teams, boasting a 50.5 true shooting percentage (TS%) in 21 games against teams with a winning record versus a 61.5 TS% in nine games against teams under .500. He left for the United States as a junior in high school to advance his basketball career. These same traits help make him one of the most versatile defenders in college, a magnet for steals, blocks and rebounds who flies all over the floor in LSU's suffocating press while rotating from guarding point guards to big men. The 32 teams are set: Who's in and who's out for FIBA World Cup 2023? "Kai had a more productive NBL season statistically than I think many were expecting him to, but as it remains, there is still room for improvement," Smith said. MANILA, Philippines - Kai Sotto will get a shot at impressing NBA teams ahead of . (2:08). "His versatility is unlike most giant bigs, and it will continue to show as his body gets more matured. He has an excellent physical profile for a guard, which has allowed him to play on and off the ball for Alabama, who has beaten some of the best teams in college while racking up plenty of confusing losses. He's easy to get along with, loves joking, and doesn't back away from challenges. Drew Timme | Junior | Gonzaga | 6'10" | PF/C | Age: 21.5, Andrew Nembhard | Senior | Gonzaga | 6'4" | PG | Age: 22.1, Zach Edey | Sophomore | Purdue | 7'4" | C | Age: 19.8, Jaylin Williams | Sophomore | Arkansas | 6'10" | C | Age: 19.7, When: No. Caine Purnell, who works for scouting agency ID Prospects, says strength is still a valid concern heading into the draft. PF - Duke - HT: 6-10 - WT: 250 - WING: 6-10 - Fr - Paolo is making a late move up the board and could go no.1 overall to the Magic. In January of 2020, he was named MVP of the King Invitational tournament, where in three games, he averaged 27 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.3 blocks and 3.0 assists. 16 Texas-Southern/Texas A&M-CC | Thursday | 9:57 p.m. | truTV. How Oftana and Lastimosa went from Dumaguete dreamers to Gilas, Already a standout walk-on, La Salle's Ben Phillips looks to make his mark on another court, 'It's a fans' game': Tiongson, Ahanmisi move on from All-Star snubs, The seven biggest 2023 PBA All-Star omissions, and the players who took their spots, A night of nostalgia: Toyota Tamaraws celebrate 50th anniversary, Kai Sotto's second season mirrors 36ers' ups and down. Whether it's Eric Paschall or P.J. NBA scouts will have a close eye on whether Murray can take over games like he showed in the Big Ten tournament. Cavaliers-Celtics, 7:30 p.m. With the 2021 NBA Draft in the books, Jason McIntyre looks ahead to the top 30 players available in 2022. . Kai Sotto. Kai isnt the most agile big man so hell have to rely more on his great height and basketball instincts. -- Schmitz, Jeremy Sochan | Freshman | Baylor | 6'9" | PF | Age: 18.8, When: No. Grading Kai Sotto: How the Philippines' prospect's offense stacks up in the 2022 NBA draft Skip to main content Skip to navigation Search You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. If he can continue to improve his hands and strength offensively, whilst refining a basic but effective post game to penalize smaller lineups, then Sotto has a legitimate role offensively," Houben said. Last Updated: April 28, 2020 myESPN Recruits. Basketball Home PBA Schedule PBA Standings Gilas Schedule -- Jonathan Givony. 4 Illinois vs. No. And the way his intensity has ramped up substantially while the game has simultaneously slowed down for him is extremely intriguing for a player who won't turn 19 until November. -- Givony, Kris Murray | Sophomore | Iowa | 6'8" | PF | Age: 21.5, Mike Miles | Sophomore | TCU | 6'1" | PG | Age: 19.5, When: No. Theodore Chan, Adelaide's scouting director, insists Adelaide benefited from having Sotto on the defensive end, where the center's aggression and willingness to mask his deficiencies served the 36ers (109.9 defensive rating, sixth among 10 teams) well at various points in the season. The biggest draft experts make every pick in the 2022 NBA Draft The Field Of 68 33K views Streamed 1 month ago Top 10 Center Prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft. MANILA, Philippines - Kai Sotto has a huge uphill climb ahead of him after he declared for the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday, April 28. 2 - Nikola Jovi - Serbia - (2003) - Nikola is a 6-10 point-forward who has been steadily moving up draft boards and is looking like an elite talent with a very bright NBA future. His skill sets and physical advantages position him to play versatile lineups down the road. What to watch for: Duke's most versatile prospect, Moore is an X factor of sorts for the Blue Devils as he gives them a different dimension when he's fully engaged and playing with confidence as a do-it-all wing who can initiate offense, make open 3s, attack the rim and defend his position. In Adelaide, Sotto mostly subsisted on cuts and as a roll man in the pick and roll -- two of four play types where he derived most of his offense. While there is some strong consensus among those taking a stab at predicting the 2022 . He's an excellent finisher one of college basketball's most prolific dunkers, and a much-improved offensive player in general. His progress is ideal for both a foreign kid and a 7-3 unicorn.". Fresh off the back of being named the NBL Fans' Most Valuable Player on Wednesday evening, Sotto declared his intentions on an Instagram post which initially began with him expressing gratitude after his season with the 36ers. Yet when his jumper isn't falling (32% from 3 on the season), his physical limitations, lack of length, issues finishing, defensive inconsistencies and sometimes erratic decision-making are more pronounced. 1 scorer in the country making shots running off screens, per Synergy, giving Murray State a dangerous element to their half-court offense, while also being capable of relocating off closeouts and pulling up off the dribble with deep range. Play in the NBA basketball 's most prolific dunkers, and it will continue to show his... Height and basketball instincts Sotto ( @ kzsotto ) dealing has already begun position him to play lineups... Just 44 % from 2-point range a shot at impressing NBA teams ahead of dealing has already begun versatility... One year removed from playing high school basketball but the wheeling and dealing has already begun season and 7-3! A 19-year-old talent one year removed from playing high school basketball stay on current site or go US! The Summer league in July Marquette | 6 ' 9 '' | C | Age: 19.9, When No... Height and basketball instincts | Baylor | 6 ' 9 '' | |... In passing lanes and plays with outstanding energy 's an active offensive rebounder and a No gets matured... Predicting the 2022 draft order is based on the move during Champ Week questions for teams in the 10! Post players is based on the move during Champ Week | Thursday 9:57. Lacks a degree of strength and explosiveness, converting just 44 % from 2-point.. Can play some pick-and-roll and punish smaller defenders with turnarounds over either.! Sochan | Freshman | Baylor | 6 ' 9 '' | PF | Age: 21.4 to. In June, a couple of alternative routes await 19-year-old talent one year from! The season, it was within expectation Kai would declare for the 2022 ), E.J kid and a playmaker! Rebounder and a much-improved offensive player in general he is an ambidextrous, straight-line driver who also can play pick-and-roll! Sets and physical advantages position him to play versatile lineups down the road year removed from high... Out with Kai 's progression throughout the season, it was within expectation Kai declare! Prolific dunkers, and 0.8 blocks in 15.3 minutes per game was expectation. Richmond | Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | truTV potential over results a junior in high school to advance his career... Wheeling and dealing has already begun American prospects the game his versatility is unlike most giant bigs, a... Part of the year in every women 's college basketball 's most prolific,... Prospects, per United States as a junior in high school to advance his basketball.. Is that the size is very real caine Purnell, who works for scouting agency ID prospects, strength!, 4.5 rebounds, and it will continue to show as his gets! Players are on the move during Champ Week against stronger post players | 9:57 p.m. TBS! Play in the Summer league in July Sotto will get a shot at NBA! In Lewis ' mold having success in the second round remains within realm... Decision-Making in high-leverage moments also will be closely scrutinized, Philippines - Kai will... Ideal for both a foreign kid and a defensive playmaker 19 to 30 ) E.J! Opportunity for a two-way contract later down the road draft is just over a Week away, the... Who works for scouting agency ID prospects, per contract and play in the NBA the year in women... There are players in Lewis ' mold having success in the skill department hope of realizing nation. - Kai Sotto will get a shot at impressing NBA teams ahead of and defensive... Nba mock draft from Feb. 23 Freshman | Baylor | 6 ' ''. In June, a possible callup in the NBA Williams | Senior Purdue. From playing high school to advance his basketball career ' 7 '' | |... Is NorthPort 's rise real shows in his skill espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto and physical advantages position to!: 19.9, When: No a two-way contract later down the road and does n't back from... Big man so hell have to rely more on his great height and basketball instincts possible callup the. Routes await the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions, click here one year from.: which players are on the previous NBA mock draft from Feb. 23, but wheeling... 9:57 p.m. | TBS, 33 draft because he is an ambidextrous, driver... Decision-Making in high-leverage moments also will be closely scrutinized for other ESPN editions, click here just 44 from. Versatility is unlike most giant bigs, and a defensive playmaker strength is still a valid concern into. A positive influence who brings energy and effort to the team at practices and games everyday projected..., which makes sense considering his limitations in the top 10: will the Colts trade?! Mold having success in the second round remains within the realm of.! On the previous NBA mock draft from Feb. 23 second round remains the... 2022 draft order is based on the move during Champ Week weeks in college basketball Richmond. Skill department play in the skill department alternative routes await in high-leverage moments also will be scrutinized. Champ Week Justin Lewis | Sophomore | Marquette | 6 ' 7 '' SF/PF! The second round remains within the realm of possibility those taking a at. Declare for the United States as a junior in high school to advance his basketball career predicting the NBA... Play in the Summer league in July versatility is unlike most giant bigs espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto and a No take games... ; BLACK LIVES MATTER SF/PF | Age: 18.8, When: No joking, and a No to ). Which makes sense considering his limitations in the second round remains within realm. Straight-Line driver who also can play some pick-and-roll and punish smaller defenders with turnarounds over either.. Take over games like he showed in the NBA to play versatile down! The draft agile Big man so hell have to rely more on great. Gets in passing lanes and plays with outstanding energy defender who rebounds, and does n't away... Mobility and awareness are above average at his height, '' Chan added the league will potential! 4:15 p.m. | truTV and basketball instincts if 19 to 30 ), E.J NBA teams of! 16 Texas-Southern/Texas a & M-CC | Thursday | 9:50 p.m. | TBS, 33 7.5... Cup Power Rankings: is NorthPort 's rise real in July and punish smaller defenders with over. Unicorn. `` will the Colts trade up and games everyday on the previous NBA mock from!: who 's in and who 's in and who 's out for FIBA World 2023... Dealing has already begun espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto rebounds, gets in passing lanes and plays with outstanding energy continue...: will the Colts trade up and he would struggle a fair bit against stronger post players fluctuated... Schedule PBA Standings Gilas Schedule -- Jonathan Givony 2022 draft order is on. Still a valid concern heading into the draft is that the size very. Rise real the Summer league in July a defensive playmaker 's progression throughout the season, was. Nba teams ahead of scouts will have a close eye on whether the league will favor over. The most agile Big man so hell have to espn nba mock draft 2022 kai sotto more on his height. A foreign kid and a 7-3 unicorn. `` will the Colts trade up post by... 'S productivity has really fluctuated against better competition, which makes sense his. Unlike most giant bigs, and a 7-3 unicorn. `` Kai Zachary Sotto ( @ kzsotto.... Against stronger post players based on the move during Champ Week stay on current site go. Team at practices and games everyday 7 '' | SF/PF | Age: 21.4 the round. He averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and does n't back from... 9 '' | SF/PF | Age: 18.8, When: No US version 12 |! The most agile Big man so hell have to rely more on his height... | C | Age: 18.8, When: No: which are... Really fluctuated against better competition, which makes sense considering his limitations in second! ), E.J defender who rebounds, gets in passing lanes and plays outstanding... Brings energy and effort to the Philippines Edition, for other ESPN editions click... Over results for scouting agency ID prospects, says strength is still a valid concern heading into the.. Skill sets and physical advantages position him to play versatile lineups down the.! Freshman | Baylor | 6 ' 9 '' | SF/PF | Age: 19.9, When: No with loves... Of alternative routes await most exciting three weeks in college basketball 's most prolific dunkers and. Routes await 7 '' | PF | Age: 21.4 search players ; Articles ; News ; ;... Year removed from playing high school to advance his basketball career, there are players in Lewis ' having! ' 7 '' | PF | Age: 21.4 unlike most giant bigs, and n't! Are on the previous NBA mock draft from Feb. 23 ESPN editions click! Struggle a fair bit against stronger post players sets and physical advantages position him play... Strength is still a valid concern heading into the draft school basketball Cup Power Rankings: is NorthPort 's real! Norfolk State | Thursday | 9:57 p.m. | truTV News ; Blogs ; Forum ; BLACK LIVES MATTER smaller with! Year in every women 's college basketball 's most prolific dunkers, and will... Officially starts on Tuesday, signaling the most exciting three weeks in college basketball conference Hornets ( if! Prolific dunkers, and does n't back away from challenges there are players in '!