KAI Sotto’s bid to return to US college basketball has hit a roadblock, with his planned move to Texas A&M no longer pushing through because of an NCAA eligibility concern.
According to the Sporting Chance column of Quinito Henson, the 7-foot-3 Filipino center had been set to join the Division I program, but his extensive professional background overseas reportedly prevents him from being cleared under the NCAA’s updated eligibility regulations.
The NCAA’s revised rules address athletes who have already competed professionally.
Under the policy, eligibility cannot be restored to a prospective college player who has played for or entered into an agreement with a professional team, or received compensation from a league where guaranteed pay goes beyond actual and necessary expenses.
Sotto’s professional career began in Australia, where he played for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL from 2021 to 2023. He then continued his career in Japan, making stops with the Hiroshima Dragonflies, Yokohama B-Corsairs and Koshigaya Alphas.
That track record effectively complicated his planned transition to the NCAA, forcing Sotto to reassess his options for the coming season.
A return to Japan remains a possibility, although finding a place in the country’s top-level competition could prove difficult because several clubs have already filled their available Asian player slots.
Sotto is also considering offers from Taiwan, Korea and Europe. There are also options to explore in the NBA through a 10-day, two-way or Exhibit 10 contract. (Adrian Co)
