Kai Sotto. Photo from B.League
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto signed a contract extension with the Hiroshima Dragonflies amid his upcoming NBA Summer League stint.
The Dragonflies on Wednesday announced that the 7-foot-3 have agreed stay with the team for the 2023-24 B.League season.
Sotto expressed his gratitude to the Japanese club, which tapped him as an Asian import after two seasons with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League.
But the 21-year-old center bared he will continue to chase his NBA dream by joining the upcoming Summer League.
“I am so grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity, and I am happy to have the chance to play in Japan next season,” said Sotto in a statement.
“The NBA is my biggest dream, so I will continue to work hard and challenge myself in summer league in the United States this summer,” he added.
Hiroshima general manager Shuji Okazaki said Sotto’s contract will be cancelled if he makes it to the NBA.
“Kai has an option to sign with an NBA team, so if he signs with an NBA team this summer, there is a possibility that his contract with Hiroshima will be canceled,” the manager said.
The Dragonflies official expressed the team’s support to Sotto, who went undrafted in last year’s NBA rookie draft, as he continues to work his way to his ultimate dream and his chance to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the World Cup.
“We as a club are prepared with another option. Around September, we are scheduled to officially announce the contract situation of Kai Sotto. Not just the workouts in the United States this summer, but the World Cup is also coming up this August and let’s all look forward to Kai Sotto’s performance and growth,” he said.
Sotto averaged 9.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 assists in his first season with Hiroshima, which finished with a 41-18 record in the regular season before losing to the Chiba Jets in the quarterfinals.
Sotto vows to give his best to Hiroshima amid the “irregularities” in his contract.
“To all the Dragonflies fans, I know there may be some irregularities next season, but I will do my best in the given environment so that I can give you good news. See you soon!” he said.
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