Every basketball fanatic should know who Rajko Toroman is.
He is the Serbian professional basketball coach who mentored Gilas sometime ago.
Toroman thinks Kai Sotto has a bright future but the poor guy is mishandled by people who are too eager beavers to get him signed into the NBA.
Sotto, he said, has not made an impact in the basketball arena despite getting exposed in the NBL Australia for two seasons and another quick bounce to the Japan B. League.
Toroman believes that if Sotto concentrates on his Gilas stint and show every one watching the World Championships that he can be at par with the world’s best big men, NBA teams will come to his door without him (Kai) applying for a position.
In a media interview by Spin.ph, the former coach of the Indonesian team that defeated Gilas in the 2022 SEAG said: “In the times that I was watching him, he was just a talented and skilled guy who can shoot the ball for his size. But he was not wuick and athletic enough.”
Toroman expressed belief that if Kai can run the floor and be competitive with his body against the big guys, “I think he has a future.”
I agree with Toroman with all the specifics he pointed out.
Kai needs to prove himself adequately but his stint in the NBL did not give him the opportunity.
“For me, the people who are guiding him always try to do one or two steps more than they’re supposed to do. He’s supposed to go step by step. If he’s good, somebody will pick him anyway.”
The World Championships in Manila next month is the best arena where the 7’3” former Ateneo Blue Eagle can display his skills and pit his talents against the best centers Gilas will be competing against.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, including injuries, coach Chot Reyes will give Sotto ample minutes and his chemistry with fellow Pinoy players, including Utah Jazz star guard Jordan Clarkson, will prove if he is truly NBA material.
Pinoy fans here and around the world, particularly Fil-Ams residing in the US, are fully supportive of Kai’s NBA aspirations.
His eventual entry into the planet’s best basketball league – at whatever time and date – is an honor Pinoys can all share with him and he with all Pinoy basketball fanatics.
Kai needs to beef up some more – muscles in the right places – as the physicality of basketball is tough and harsh. Banging of bodies versus bodies will take a huge toll as we all see the injuries inflicted on many NBA cagers.
Kai has but just a month to re-adjust and re-wind his mindset before the first jumpball is tossed by the referee in the Manila WC.
He will be Gilas’ center of attention, literally. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
