Kai Sotto Biography
Filipino professional basketball player Kai Zachary Perlado Sotto (born May 11, 2002) plays for the Hiroshima Dragonflies of the Japanese B.League.
He plays the center position for the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League. Standing at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters), he is tied as the tallest Filipino professional basketball player alongside Raul Dillo, and is one of the tallest Filipino men in history.
Kai is the son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto. He began playing basketball at the age of 4 and rose to prominence with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, winning a UAAP juniors championship and being named MVP.
In 2019, he declined offers from elite European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Alba Berlin, opting instead to move to the United States.
Though recruited by several NCAA Division I schools, he chose to skip college and signed with NBA G League Ignite in 2020.
However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and his national team commitments, Kai parted ways with Ignite.
He then joined the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s NBL, where he earned Fans MVP awards and gained global attention.
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, he returned to the 36ers before signing with Hiroshima Dragonflies in Japan, followed by a loan to Yokohama B-Corsairs, and eventually settling with the Koshigaya Alphas.
On the international stage, Kai Sotto is a cornerstone of the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, representing the country in both youth and senior tournaments, and earning accolades like gold at the 2017 SEABA U16 Championship.
Outside the court, Kai is a social media sensation and is currently in a relationship with Filipina actress Rere Madrid.
Despite the fame, he remains focused on reaching the NBA and proudly representing the Philippines on the global basketball stage.
Kai Sotto Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kai Sotto |
| Born | May 11, 2002, Las Piñas, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Height | 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) |
| Weight | 232 lb (105 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| Current Team | Koshigaya Alphas (B.League) |
| Previous Teams | Adelaide 36ers (2021–2023), Hiroshima Dragonflies (2023) |
| NBA G League | Ignite (2020) |
| Notable Achievements | NBL Fans MVP (2022, 2023), Gold Medal 2017 SEABA U16, Mythical First Team 2017 FIBA U16 Asian Championship |
| Net Worth | $5 million to $21.2 million (varies by source) |
| Parents | Ervin Sotto (father, former basketball player), Pamela Sotto (mother) |
| Siblings | Two siblings |
| Current Relationship | Dating actress Rere Madrid, sister of actor Ruru Madrid |
| Family Connection | No relation to actor Vic Sotto |
| Career Overview | First Filipino to play professionally in the B.League, represented the Philippines in international tournaments, aiming to be the first Filipino in the NBA |
Kai Sotto’s Early Life and Education
Kai Zachary Perlado Sotto was born on May 11, 2002, in Las Piñas, Philippines, to Ervin Sotto, a former PBA player, and Pamela Sotto (née Perlado).
He began playing basketball at the young age of four and grew up admiring NBA and PBA legends like Tim Duncan, June Mar Fajardo, and Kristaps Porziņģis.
Kai started his early education at Saint Francis of Assisi College. In March 2019, he made the bold decision to leave Ateneo de Manila High School, where he was already a rising basketball star, to move to the United States and pursue his basketball dreams.
He continued his studies at Miami School in Hamilton, Ohio, and graduated in April 2021, all while balancing training with The Skill Factory and later, NBA G League Ignite.
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Kai Sotto Amateur Career
Kai joined Ateneo de Manila High School in 2016 and played for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets in the UAAP juniors division:
UAAP Season 79 (2016–17): At just 14 years old and 6 ft 9 in, he led the league in blocks and was named Rookie of the Year.
UAAP Season 80 (2017–18): Now 7 ft 1 in, he led Ateneo to a championship, averaging 17 PPG, 13 RPG, and 6.3 BPG in the finals. He was named Finals MVP and included in the Mythical Five.
UAAP Season 81 (2018–19): He averaged 25.1 PPG, 13.9 RPG, and 2.6 BPG, earning the Season MVP and another spot in the Mythical Team. However, Ateneo lost the title to NSNU Bullpups.
Despite his dominance, Kai never played college basketball and chose to pursue a professional path.
The Skill Factory & U.S. Training:
In November 2019, Kai joined The Skill Factory (TSF) in Atlanta, Georgia. In his debut against IMG Academy, he posted 18 points and 12 rebounds.
He went on to shine in the King Invitational Tournament in January 2020, where he was named MVP, averaging 27 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.3 blocks, and 3 assists.
In February 2020, he participated in the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, gaining more international recognition.
College Recruitment and NBA G League Ignite:
Regarded as a four-star recruit in the U.S., Kai received offers from several NCAA Division I programs.
However, on May 13, 2020, he officially joined the NBA G League Ignite, deciding to forgo college eligibility in pursuit of his pro career.
Kai Sotto College Recruiting Profile
Kai Sotto was a highly ranked four-star basketball recruit from the Philippines. Standing 7 ft 1 in and weighing 215 lbs, he played high school basketball at Ateneo de Manila.
Major recruiting platforms like Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN gave him 4-star ratings, ranking him among the top 70 prospects in the U.S.
Despite receiving offers from several NCAA Division I schools, he chose to skip college basketball and instead joined the NBA G League Ignite in 2020 to pursue a professional career.
Kai Sotto Professional Career
May 13, 2020: Sotto signed with the NBA G League Ignite, a developmental program for elite prospects.
He was expected to miss several games due to commitments with the Philippine national team at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers amid COVID-19 restrictions.
Sotto’s decision to join Ignite made him ineligible for NCAA Division I basketball and the 2021 NBA Draft.
Adelaide 36ers (2021–2023):
April 21, 2021: Sotto signed with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) as a “Special Restricted Player.” He played two seasons with the team.
2022: He declared for the NBA draft but went undrafted. He returned to Adelaide for another year.
He had notable performances, including a 12-point game against Melbourne United in January 2022 and a season-high 16 points in 2022–2023.
February 2023: Sotto announced his departure from the 36ers to sign with a team overseas.
B.League (2023–Present):
February 7, 2023: Sotto signed with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in Japan’s B.League.
March 18, 2023: He recorded his first double-double (21 points, 12 rebounds) in a win over the Ibaraki Robots.
May 24, 2023: Sotto extended his contract with Hiroshima, with an opt-out clause for NBA opportunities.
June 23, 2023: Sotto received an invite to play for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League, where he played against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
December 28, 2023: He joined the Yokohama B-Corsairs on loan for the rest of the season.
February 11, 2024: Sotto had a career-high 26 points and 11 rebounds in a win over the Chiba Jets.
January 5, 2025: Sotto tore his left ACL during a game, which will sideline him for an extended period.
Kai Sotto National Team Career
2017 SEABA Under-16 Championship (Philippines): Sotto debuted with the Philippines’ junior team, leading them to a gold medal with averages of 16.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game.
2018 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship (China): He led the Philippines to 4th place, averaging 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Sotto was named to the Mythical First Team.
2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup (Argentina): He played a key role in the team’s 13th-place finish, averaging 16.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. His best performance came against Egypt with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup (Greece): Sotto contributed 11.7 points and 7.9 rebounds, leading the tournament in blocks per game (3.1).
Senior National Team:
2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers: Sotto was initially set to debut with the senior team but missed several games due to logistical issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitments to the NBA G League Ignite.
June 2021: He was named to the final 12-man lineup for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Sotto participated in the fourth window of the qualifiers and was included in the 21-man pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He later made the final 12-man roster for the competition.
Here is a Table of Kai Sotto’s Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Adelaide 36ers (NBL) | 23 | 2 | 15.3 | 50.8% | 38.5% | 68.7% | 4.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 7.5 |
| 2022–23 | Adelaide 36ers (NBL) | 27 | 13 | 12.9 | 51.4% | 22.2% | 70.8% | 4.5 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 6.8 |
| 2022–23 | Hiroshima Dragonflies (B.League) | 24 | 19 | 19.1 | 51.8% | 11.1% | 75.5% | 6.0 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 8.9 |
| 2023–24 | Yokohama B-Corsairs (B.League) | 34 | 24 | 20.4 | 57.7% | 30.0% | 71.2% | 6.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 12.8 |
| 2024–25 | Koshigaya Alphas (B.League) | 26 | 25 | 27.2 | 53.0% | 50.0% | 64.4% | 9.5 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 13.8 |
Kai Sotto Personal Life
Kai Sotto’s personal life includes a strong basketball background, as both his father, Ervin Sotto, and godfather, Ranidel de Ocampo, played professionally in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
His father stands at 6’7″ (2.01 m) and his mother, Pamela Sotto, is 6’1″ (1.85 m). Kai also has two siblings.
He is currently in a relationship with actress Rere Madrid, who is the sister of actor Ruru Madrid.
In July 2024, Sotto was hospitalized for an X-ray of his injured ribs following Gilas Pilipinas’ loss to Georgia.
Online content creators have often hyped his career, with videos titled “Kai ginulat ang mundo!” (meaning “Kai shocked the world!”) becoming a popular internet meme. Sotto is aware of the meme and has mentioned that he has gotten used to it.
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Relationship Between Kai Sotto and Vic Sotto
Despite sharing the same surname and both being prominent figures in the Philippines, Kai Sotto, the professional basketball player, and Vic Sotto, the actor and television presenter, are not directly related.
They come from different branches of the Sotto family.
Vic Sotto’s immediate family includes his siblings Tito Sotto and Val Sotto, while Kai’s father is Ervin Sotto, a former basketball player. Therefore, any perceived connection is coincidental.
Kai Sotto’s Parents and Siblings
Kai Sotto hails from a family with a strong basketball background.
His father, Ervin Sotto, stands 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall and had a notable career in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), playing for multiple teams and winning a championship with the Alaska Aces in 2010.
His mother, Pamela Sotto, is 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall and was also athletic during her youth, playing on her high school’s varsity basketball team.
Kai has two younger siblings: a sister named Erin, who reached 6 feet 1 inch by the age of 11 and has shown promise in basketball, and a brother named Kimothy.
Additionally, Kai’s godfather, Ranidel de Ocampo, is a former professional basketball player in the PBA, further emphasizing the family’s deep ties to the sport.
Kai Sotto Height and Weight
Kai Sotto is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League.
Standing at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) and weighing approximately 230 pounds (104 kilograms), he plays the center position.
Kai Sotto’s Net Worth
Kai Sotto, a Filipino professional basketball player, has an estimated net worth ranging between $5 million and $21.2 million as of early 2025.
This wide range is due to varying reports and the dynamic nature of professional athletes’ earnings.
His income sources include his basketball contracts, endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Smart Communications, and Chooks-to-Go, as well as other business ventures.
Kai Sotto Awards
| Category | Award/Accomplishment | Year |
|---|---|---|
| UAAP | UAAP Season 79 Juniors Rookie of the Year | 2016 |
| UAAP | UAAP Season 80 Juniors Mythical Five | 2017 |
| UAAP | UAAP Season 80 Juniors Finals MVP | 2017 |
| UAAP | UAAP Season 81 Juniors MVP | 2018 |
| UAAP | UAAP Season 81 Juniors Mythical Five | 2018 |
| Australian National Basketball League (NBL) | NBL Fans MVP | 2022, 2023 |
| Philippine National Team | Gold medal at the 2017 SEABA Under-16 Championship | 2017 |
| Philippine National Team | 2017 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship Mythical First Team | 2017 |
Kai Sotto’s Social Media
FAQs
1. Who is Kai Sotto?
Kai Zachary Perlado Sotto, born on May 11, 2002, in Las Piñas, Philippines, is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League. Standing at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters), he is tied with Raul Dillo as the tallest Filipino professional basketball player ever, and just an inch shorter than the tallest Filipino man on record, William Biscocho.
2. What is Kai Sotto’s background in basketball?
Kai Sotto began playing basketball at an early age and was a standout player in youth basketball tournaments.
He represented the Philippines in several international competitions, including the 2017 SEABA U16 Championship and the FIBA Under-16 and Under-19 World Cups.
His early successes in the youth leagues helped him gain attention from top basketball programs around the world.
3. What teams has Kai Sotto played for in his career?
Kai Sotto played for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) from 2021 to 2023, followed by a stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in Japan’s B.League. In 2024, he signed with the Koshigaya Alphas. He also briefly joined the NBA G League Ignite program in 2020.
4. Has Kai Sotto played for the Filipino national team?
Yes, Kai Sotto has represented the Philippines at various youth levels, including the 2017 SEABA U16 Championship, where he won a gold medal.
He also played in the FIBA Under-16, Under-17, and Under-19 World Cups.
Although his debut with the senior national team was delayed due to logistics, he was later part of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers and the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
5. What are some of Kai Sotto’s achievements in his career?
Some of Sotto’s notable accomplishments include winning the NBL Fans MVP award in 2022 and 2023.
He also received the Mythical First Team honors at the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship and played a pivotal role in the Philippines’ basketball success in various international tournaments.
6. Is Kai Sotto related to Vic Sotto?
No, Kai Sotto is not related to actor Vic Sotto. While they share the same last name, there is no family connection between them.
7. What is Kai Sotto’s playing style and strengths?
Kai Sotto is known for his exceptional height and skill set, which includes solid defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities.
He is also praised for his mobility, passing, and basketball IQ, which make him a versatile player despite his size.
His ability to shoot from various spots on the floor and make plays for his teammates sets him apart as a center.
8. What are some of the challenges Kai Sotto has faced in his career?
Kai Sotto has faced challenges related to his eligibility for college basketball, as he opted to join the NBA G League, which made him ineligible for NCAA Division I.
He also faced logistical challenges, including travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted his ability to participate in certain international events and tournaments.
9. What are Kai Sotto’s future goals in basketball?
Kai Sotto’s ultimate goal is to become the first Filipino player in the NBA. He is determined to continue developing his game and increasing his physical strength to compete at the highest level.
His journey has been closely followed by Filipino fans, and he is widely regarded as a key figure in elevating Philippine basketball internationally.
10. What is Kai Sotto’s net worth?
Kai Sotto’s net worth is estimated to range between $5 million and $21.2 million, depending on various sources. His earnings come from his basketball contracts, sponsorships, and other business ventures.
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In conclusion
At just 17 years old, Kai Sotto is already considered a basketball phenom in the Philippines, with the potential to become one of the country’s most famous athletes.
Standing at 7’2″ (2.18m), he has gained attention from American college basketball programs and signed an NBA G-League contract, where he is widely expected to eventually make it to the NBA.
Sotto’s height is a significant advantage, but his skill set goes beyond that.
He is remarkably mobile for his size and excels in passing, dunking, screening, and decision-making.
Once he adds more muscle to his frame, Sotto is expected to be able to compete as a center at the highest level.
He believes in his ability to read the game, stating, “I can score from every place on the court, and I think I’m a really good teammate.”
Sotto’s ultimate goal is to become the first Filipino player in the NBA, a journey that has generated immense support from fans back home in the Philippines.
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