SMART Communications, Inc. (Smart), Kai Sotto’s long time backer, has renewed its commitment to support the promising big man in his bid to become the first homegrown Filipino to gain NBA foothold.
The pledge of support came after Sotto, 20, a former Batang Gilas standout and now a member of the national team training pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, announced that he will join in the NBA rookie draft on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“As a basketball-loving country, it has always been a dream for Filipinos to see a homegrown player set foot on the NBA hardcourt. Today, we have come closer to realizing this as Kai aims to show the world what Filipino basketball players are made of: talent, skill, determination, and above all, PUSO,” PLDT and Smart President and CEO Al S. Panlilio said.
“As an advocate of Philippine sports and basketball, it is an honor for us at Smart to be part of Kai’s journey. From his varsity days in Ateneo and when he suited up for Batang Gilas in 2017 up to this point, we have always known that Kai’s NBA dream has always been bigger than himself, and we fully support his bid to fulfill it and inspire our nation,” he added.
Last year, Smart welcomed Sotto as a brand ambassador as he represents and inspires young people to live big and pursue their passion for sports. Wielding the power of social media and mobile technology, Sotto eagerly shares his basketball journey with his hundreds of thousands of followers who look to him for inspiration and motivation.
