MANILA, Philippines – An NBA Draft analyst from ESPN got to watch a Batang Gilas game in the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup and concluded that Filipino big man Kai Sotto still has a long way to go if he hopes to reach his full potential.

Jonathan Givony, formerly of Draft Express and now of ESPN, tweeted Sunday morning that he got his "first live look at much-hyped" 7-foot-1 young player.

The 16-year old Sotto is spearheading Batang Gilas' campaign in the Under-17 Basketball World Cup, and had 28 points and 17 rebounds in the Philippines' 70-69 triumph over Egypt in Santa Fe, Argentina.

READ: Sotto dominant as Batang Gilas gets first win at FIBA U17 WC

Givony noted that while it is "easy to see the talent" of Sotto, it was clear that the teenager is still very raw.

"(Easy to see)… how far he has to go in terms of toughness, intensity, strength, and polish," said Givony.

First live look at much-hyped 7'1 16-year old Kai Sotto from the Philippines. Easy to see the talent, but also how far he has to go in terms of toughness, intensity, strength and polish. Hasn't had a great tournament so far. Will have to find the right place to develop long term. pic.twitter.com/O1nqyQjxTZ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) July 7, 2018

But he also noted that Sotto "hasn't had a great tournament so far." The Filipino teenager is averaging 15.5 points on 45.1% shooting from the field along with 10.7 rebounds per game, but has led the Philippines to just one victory so far.

"(Sotto) will have to find the right place to develop long-term," Givony concluded.

Sotto is currently studying at the Ateneo de Manila High School and playing for the Blue Eaglets. He led the team to the UAAP Season 80 juniors crown, winning Finals MVP honors in the process.

Sotto also earned a Mythical Team citation in the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship last April, when he normed 16.8 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in powering Batang Gilas to a fourth-place finish.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

ai vision