There is just too much hype especially from the Filipino community across the Land Down Under that Adelaide 36ers fans are asking them to stop.
Luka Siro wrote on a comment on the 36ers Facebook page: “The Kai fetish needs to stop.”
Kim Kymbo also wrote: “Getting sick of all the Kai fanboys on here. In case you didn’t know, basketball is a team sport. Stop putting all this unnecessary pressure on Kai. He doesn’t need it. He’s still developing and learning.”
The build up is feverish indeed as the former NBA G League prospect Kai Sotto is finally expected to see on-court action at the Australia National Basketball League (NBL) Blitz preseason starting November 14.
The Adelaide 36ers are grouped in the unique two-week pocket tournament with the host team Tasmania JackJumpers, Brisbane Bullets, New Zealand Breakers, Cairns Taipans and the winningest NBL team Perth Wildcats.
The other four NBL teams will be grouped to play one another in games hosted across Victoria and New South Wales.
The new NBL season, originally slated to launch on November 18, will kick off on December 3.
In this unique preseason, the winner will be awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup, named after NBL Hall of Famers Leroy Loggins and Cal Bruton, while the tournament’s best player will win the Ray Borner Medal.
A point system will be the basis of team standings in the two-week tilt. All games are worth a maximum of 7 points, with 3 points awarded to the winning team and an additional point given to the squad that wins each quarter.
If a quarter is tied, both teams receive half a point. If a game goes into overtime, no additional points are awarded.
“The NBL is very grateful to the Tasmanian Government and Premier Peter Gutwein, once again rolling out the welcome mat for our teams,” commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said in a league release.
“I know that after a very unusual off-season, our players will be looking forward to getting among the community, so be sure to get ready for everything that’s coming your way, Tasmania.”
