A prominent name in the international sports wagering arena, 1xBet, is delighted to unveil an energetic collaboration with burgeoning basketball talent, Kai Sotto. This youthful Filipino phenomenon will act as a 1xBet brand representative, embodying the company not just within his native Philippines but throughout crucial Asian territories such as Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond. This alliance is poised to substantially elevate 1xBet’s visibility within the region while furnishing Kai Sotto with a stage to further promote basketball in Asia and motivate countless aspiring athletes to pursue their aspirations.
## Emulating Legends
Entering the world on May 11, 2002, in Las Piñas, Philippines, Kai Zaccari Perlado Sotto acquired his enthusiasm for basketball from his father, former professional athlete Ervin Sotto. Introduced to the game at the young age of four, Kai’s stature surpassed the 2-meter mark by the time he reached 14. Currently standing tall at a remarkable 2.21 meters (7’3″), he ranks among the tallest active players globally, establishing him as an inherent powerhouse in the center position. Throughout his development, Sotto admired figures like Tim Duncan, June Mar Fajardo, and Kristaps Porziņģis, integrating aspects of their playing styles into his own.
## From Academic Triumph to National Honor
Between 2016 and 2019, Kai Sotto sported the colors of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, where he amassed honors including Rookie of the Year, Season and Finals MVP, and steered his team to a championship victory. His supremacy on the court was apparent in his averages of 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.
He maintained an extraordinary average of 6 rejections per match and even spearheaded the national junior squad to triumph in the 2017 Southeast Asian U16 Tournament.
In 2019, Kai brought his abilities to America, enrolling in the esteemed The Skill Factory (TSF) preparatory academy in Atlanta. He became a highly coveted prospect, garnering offers from numerous NCAA Division I institutions. However, he ultimately chose to wager on himself and joined the NBA G League Ignite, a developmental program for top prospects. Regrettably, the COVID-19 outbreak substantially curtailed playing opportunities for all. Yearning for more exposure, Kai transitioned to the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) in 2021, where he participated for two seasons with the Adelaide 36ers.
Following his stint in Australia, Kai carried his skills to Japan, inking a deal with the Hiroshima Dragonflies. He is presently playing on assignment with the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the Japanese B.League. Kai’s aptitude and dedication earned him a call to compete with the Orlando Magic in the 2023 NBA Summer League. That same year, he also proudly donned the Philippines jersey in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Kai is profoundly devoted to expanding the sport of basketball, particularly in his homeland of the Philippines. He is a vocal proponent for the game across Asia. He states, “I’ve been observing 1xBet’s development for a long time and I value how much the organization contributes to supporting young people and local athletics.” This youthful athlete is resolute in continuing to refine his abilities and realize his ultimate aspiration of competing in the NBA.
Im ecstatic to collaborate with this group, and I’m eager to leverage my position as an envoy to expand the sport of basketball, both here in the Philippines and internationally,” shared Kai Sotto.
The worldwide gaming organization is keen on backing the ascending basketball phenomenon. “We are pleased to join forces with one of the most promising basketball athletes in Asia and champion him early in what is certain to be a brilliant career,” remarked a 1xBet spokesperson. “He’s already an inspiration for countless young basketball players with aspirations, which is something incredibly significant to our company as we scout talent around the world.”
This alliance with their latest brand representative is a component of a global approach for the brand to bolster Southeast Asian sports and elevate their visibility within the area.
