Kai Sotto's primary goal of making it to the NBA through the collegiate route in the United States has faced a huge obstacle.
The Filipino sensation was deemed ineligible to play by the NCAA, as his plans to join the Texas A&M Aggies were scrapped due to the association's strict amateurism regulations regarding his extensive professional playing history and earnings overseas.
Sotto is now exploring his pro options in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Europe.
Kai Sotto ineligible for NCAA college teams over eligibility, pro rules
According to Quinito Henson of the Philippine Star, Kai Sotto sought amateur reinstatement from the NCAA to play for the Aggies' program. However, the NCAA completely restricted him from going to the Division I school due to his professional experience and earnings.
Under the current regulations, a prospective student-athlete cannot have his college eligibility reinstated if he has already played in a professional league, where the guaranteed baseline compensation exceeds actual and necessary expenses.
Sotto began his professional play for the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL in Australia, playing for the club from 2021 to 2023. He then shifted to the B.League in Japan, joining Hiroshima Dragonflies, Yokohama B-Corsairs, and the Koshigaya Alphas.
Sotto went undrafted during the 2022 NBA Draft. He played for the Orlando Magic during the 2023 NBA Summer League.
NBA chances still alive for Kai Sotto
With the NCAA in the United States no longer an option, Kai Sotto had no choice but to continue his professional career, making noise at every playing opportunity to catch the attention of several NBA teams.
He recently led Gilas Pilipinas in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, guiding the Filipinos to ace Window 4 by beating Jordan and Iran, with 15.5 points, 15.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 block.
Philippine men's national team head coach Tim Cone made headlines for claiming that he would call the Miami Heat to help Sotto land an NBA opportunity.