Kai Sotto, National Basketball Association (NBA) G-League Ignite team’s player from the Philippines, is setting up his own Kaiju Academy to mentor young athletes.
The 18-year-old rising basketball star, currently training with the NBA G-League Elite Development Team for a shot at being the first native-born Filipino athlete to join America’s league, shared on social media about his new mission.
“It’s the first partnership, but won’t be the last to be announced. What I want most in my life is to leave a legacy both on and off the court to both young men and young women around the world who want to better themselves and reach their athletic dreams,” Sotto posted on December 15, 2020.
The University Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 81 Juniors MVP from the Ateneo Blue Eagles is partnering with Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill Complex, the largest indoor sports complex in North America, to house his Kaiju Academy when its construction is completed in Hamilton, Ohio, by 2021.
The academy bears the nickname of the 7-foot-2 basketball phenom who recently announced he will suit up for the Philippine National Team Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
His Kaijuglobal website describes Kaiju as a Japanese term for “Strange Creature” which befits Kai Sotto, the basketball player, an ambidextrous center who plays like a monster on the hardcourt – the very characteristics he wishes to pass on to younger players.
“The idea is that the Kaiju Academy teaches these young athletes to play ‘like a beast’ on the court and to be amazing men and women off the court,” Sotto said in a media release.
“I want young men and young women to get the right experience, development, exposure, and mentorships to become their best true self both mentally and physically and create an ecosystem of Kaijus that is healthy for all athletes and their families,” he added.
“The City of Hamilton congratulates Kaiju Academy and Spooky Nook Sports on their partnership. A partnership where the term ‘world-class’ comes to mind,” said Hamilton Mayor Pat Moeller. “A world-class athlete creating a world-class academy at a world-class sports complex here in Hamilton. We welcome Kai Sotto and his Kaiju Academy to our city.”
Sotto came to the United States in 2019 to follow his NBA dream. Prior to signing up for the NBA G-League, he steered his The Skills Factory team to a championship title where he received the Most Valuable Player Award.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to NBA G-League’s Kai Sotto for setting up his Kaiju Academy to mentor young athletes!
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