Not a kid anymore ─ On Thursday, April 28, rising young Filipino talent Kai Sotto announced his entry into the 2022 NBA Draft, just days after finishing his season with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League.

“Please pray for and support me during my quest to fulfill my ultimate dream,” Sotto, who is 19 years old, said in a message on his social media accounts.

Last April 11, Sotto set a new career best with 21 points in a loss against the Brisbane Bullets with Adelaide. Last April 24, the former Ateneo high school standout finished his first season as a pro with a 12 point, 7 rebound, and 4 block outing against the New Zealand Breakers, as the Sixers finished with a 10-18 record.

In just over 15 minutes a game, the 7-foot-3 big man averaged 7.5 points on 50 percent shooting and 69 percent free throws, as well as 4.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks.

The son of former PBA star Ervin Sotto will be the first homegrown Filipino player to make it to the NBA if he is drafted. He'll also play alongside fellow Fil-Ams Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green, the latter of whom he's already faced at the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) in the Philippines.

Other Pinoy household names who attempted to make the NBA leap include Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, and Japeth Aguilar, all of whom at least made the league’s developmental ranks.