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Kai Sotto join Koshigaya Alphas

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Kai Sotto finds his newest home at Koshigaya Alphas in the Japan B.League.

MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto has found his new home in the Japan B.League.

Weeks after his departure from the Yokohama B-Corsairs, the Koshigaya Alphas announced that they have acquired the services of the 7-foot-3 Filipino big as they are promoted to Division 1.

“The Koshigaya Alphas have reached an agreement with Kai Sotto (formerly of the Hiroshima Dragonflies) for the 2024-25 season… At only 22 years old, but also noticed by the world, the Philippine representative big man will be the new guardian of the Alphas,” wrote the team in an Instagram post on Friday.

Sotto, meanwhile, shared that he’s just as excited as the Alphas to start a new chapter in his B.League journey.

READ: Kai Sotto continues to shine in B.League return after Gilas stint

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the Koshigaya Alphas. The Alphas have been promoted from B2 and will want to prove that they can compete in B1,” said the Gilas big.

“I also chose Alphas to grow more and become a better player. [I’m] excited to see the city of Koshigaya. I’m especially looking forward to seeing the fans!”

In Sotto’s final stint with Yokohama, where he played after a loan clause with his former team Dragonflies, Sotto posted norms of 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 34 outings.

READ: Kai Sotto bound to dominate Asia, believes Gilas coach Tim Cone

He helped the B-Corsairs finish with a 24-36 record.

The Alphas, though, will have to wait a few more days to start training with Sotto as he is currently on national duty with Gilas Pilipinas.

As of writing, Sotto is in Istanbul, Turkey for a couple of friendlies before Gilas’ Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament.



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He finished with nine points and nine rebounds in his last outing with the national team in their win against the Taiwan Mustangs, 74-64, which the Alphas must have watched intently.

Cebu bets lead march to National finals

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Eliana Mendoza and Kvan Alburo qualified for the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) National Match Play championship after extending their reigns in the girls’ and boys’ 8-9 division, respectively, in the Bacolod Visayas leg of the circuit at Bacolod Country Club on Tuesday, Mendoza, the champion last week at Sta. Barbara in Iloilo, closed out with an 84 for a 36-hole 169, winning by a wide margin over Ana Marie Aguilar, while Alburo, another bet from Cebu, tallied 170 after an 87 to win over Benedict Rolida and Benito Tiongko.

The national finals will be held at The Country Club in Laguna where only those with enough ranking points will be eligible to play.

“I’m very happy, this win means a lot to me because I got to make my family proud,” said the 9-year-old Mendoza from Cebu after amassing 30 points for her twin victories.

Zuri Bagaloyos capped the Cebuanos’ sweep in the second leg of the Bacolod series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. The Singapore School-Cebu student secured a commanding win in the girls’ 10-12 division after closing out with a 74 for 156 avenging her defeat to Cailey Gonzales in the Iloilo leg.



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Gilas Pilipinas flies to Turkiye hoping to show readiness for OQT

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Dwight Ramos leads Gilas Pilipinas past Taiwan Mustangs in a tune-up game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

National coach Tim Cone was brutally candid when asked to assess Gilas Pilipinas ahead of the tall task in the Fiba Olympic Qualifiers (OQT).

“I don’t expect us to be ready at this point,” he told reporters late Monday night, shortly after thumping the Taiwan Mustangs, 74-64, in the first of three tuneup matches lined up ahead of the showcase in Riga, Latvia.

“We’re not ready, [and] that’s why we’re still practicing and playing friendlies—so we could get ready. I hope to see improvement. I hope to see us get better on both sides of the ball,” he added.

And so Gilas left for Turkiye on late Tuesday night, hoping to do just that. The Philippines is slated to play higher-ranked Turkish and Polish national teams in what is shaping up as a simulation of the foes that await in the OQT next week.

“Poland’s No. 15 in the world, so they’re gonna give us a good feel (of the competition). And Turkiye’s No. 24—and they’re much better if their NBA guys show up,” Cone said. “It should be a great indication [of our capabilities] by the time we get to Riga.

“We’re just trying to get our game right. We don’t care if we win or we lose,” he added.

“They’re friendlies, so we’re not going to go in-depth in terms of scouting or trying to understand what they’re trying to do. We’re locked [in on] Latvia, we’re locked [in on] Georgia.”

Gilas is slotted with the world No. 6 Latvians and No. 23 Georgians in the Riga meet where one of the last four tickets to the Summer Olympic Games in Paris is at stake.

“[It’s] gonna be a tough task for us,” naturalized ace Justin Brownlee said of the remaining friendlies. “I think it’s great for our preparation for Latvia and Georgia and whoever we may meet in the qualifiers … and it’s gonna be a test—and—kind of measure what we have.”

Grounded by injuries

The pair of tuneup games will indeed be an accounting of sorts for Gilas, which brought only 11 players as AJ Edu, Jamie Malonzo, and Scottie Thompson have been grounded by injuries.

June Mar Fajardo, who missed the previous Gilas tour, has been reactivated for the OQT. Many-time skipper Japeth Aguilar has been reeled back into service, while Ateneo standout Mason Amos comes in as a late addition for the Filipinos.

“The idea is if we need somebody, we’ll go get them. We got Japeth, we got Mason. The thing with Scottie happened so late. [W]e just couldn’t get somebody for him,” Cone said.

“Again, we didn’t really feel we needed anybody for him at this point.

This is just the style that I want to do, and we came into this with eyes wide open and we knew this might happen. But also, if you remember the last window, we only had 10 players. Jamie didn’t play. June Mar didn’t play. AJ didn’t play. we only had Japeth as the sub,” he added.

“Going with 10, 11 guys? Not a problem for us.”

Program fixture Dwight Ramos couldn’t agree more.



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“You only need five players on the court,” he said. “So 11’s good enough.” INQ

Raptors, Scottie Barnes agree on $225M extension

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FILE – Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, March. 4, 2023, in Washington. Barnes and the Raptors have agreed to terms on a max extension, one that will be worth about $225 million over five years and could reach about $270 million if he meets supermax criteria, a person with knowledge of the deal said Monday, June 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors have agreed to terms on a max extension, one that will be worth about $225 million over five years and could reach about $270 million if he meets supermax criteria, a person with knowledge of the deal said Monday.

Barnes intends to sign the contract shortly after the league’s moratorium on signings is lifted July 6, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be announced by NBA rule until that time.

It would begin in the 2025-26 season, with a starting salary of about $39 million and reaching about $51 million in 2029-30 — unless he qualifies for a supermax contract next season, and then the numbers would get even higher.

READ: Trae Young, Scottie Barnes injury replacements for NBA All-Star

Barnes will make about $10 million this coming season, the last of his rookie deal.

He clearly is the player that the Raptors will build around over the coming years. He was the NBA’s rookie of the year in 2021-22, was an All-Star for the first time this past season and has seen consistent jumps in his numbers. He averaged 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists this past season, all career bests.

In his three-year pro career, the forward from Florida State is averaging 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 draft.



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Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

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Thea Gagate will be picked number one by the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the upcoming PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee revealed the Thunderbelles are selecting Thea Gagate as the top pick in the PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel, barring any change of heart from the management.

Yee on Tuesday bared to the reporters that they’re eyeing the projected top prospect of the 2024 class, Gagate, who will be taking her height and experience from La Salle and Alas Pilipinas to the pro scene.

“Consensus naman yun kung sinong number one jan kasi mas kailangan mo yun e. Height, mobility,” said Yee, referring to the 6-foot-2 Gagate.

“Wala pang approval ng management but we all agreed on the first name we wanted, si Thea sana. So I’m here to look at the 13th pick.”

READ: ZUS Coffee gets top pick for inaugural PVL Rookie Draft

With a 40 percent chance of getting the top pick, the Thunderbelles were drawn by reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz as the No.1 overall pick in the lottery on Monday evening at TV5 Media Center.

Yee, the former Farm Fresh coach who moved to ZUS Coffee, is confident that the management will approve their decision on picking the three-time UAAP 1st Best Middle Blocker, who won a championship with the Lady Spikers last year.

“I think the management they have long been in contact. Naguusap naman sila,” Yee bared.

However, Gagate’s availability is up in the air in the Reinforced Conference as she’s part of Alas Pilipinas, which will compete in the FIVB Challenger Cup on July 5 and SEA V.League in August.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel headline PVL Rookie Draft

Yee said they are also eyeing to tap Japanese spiker Asaka Tamaru, who led guest team Kurashiki to last year’s Invitational championship.

“Si coach Shota Sato yung wife niya is Asaka Tamaru and nakita ko sa Japan. Pwede.  Talking kami with her and the new girls and a new chance to be here,” said Yee of Tamaru, who is part of Farm Fresh’s coaching staff.

More than selecting Gagate, Yee is seeking to draft more players from the 13th pick and the succeeding rounds. 

“Hopefully, hindi masyadong kumuha ng younger players yung other teams. Pero at ZUS marami pa kaming slots na pupunuin, one on each position pa lang ang meron or two. Usually you have to have three, four per position,” the ZUS Coffee coach said.

Gagate and the 46 aspirants graced the first day of the combine to undergo anthropometry, which includes a one-minute push-up, standing vertical jump, vertical jump with approach, standing broad jump, modified agility t-test, and 60m shuttle run.

ZUS Coffee, formerly Strong Group Athletics, lost all its 11 games in its debut in the All-Filipino Conference with Yee, who transferred from Farm Fresh to its sister team, bringing NCAA ‘three-peat’ champion College of Saint Benilde players led by Season 99 MVP and Best Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo, Finals MVP Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, and Michelle Gamit.

“Challenging kasi kumbaga hindi na pwede yung sasabihin bagong team ka tapos ganun yung reason mo para panget yung performance mo. At least for us, ayaw namin ng ganun,” said Yee. “Laban lang. Dito nagsisimula, makakuha kami good pieces and from there  you build on that and let’s see kung pano kami [magwork].



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“Ang importante sa amin is yung chemistry namin. Confident sa training , program, sipag na nandito kami present, yung results hindi namin hawak yun excited kami. Gusto na namin magsimula,” he added.

Gilas kicks off OQT preparations with much-needed difficulty

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Dwight Ramos leads Gilas Pilipinas past Taiwan Mustangs in a tune-up game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Gilas Pilipinas scored a decisive win over visiting Taiwan Mustangs on Monday pocketing a big win to kick off a series of friendlies that will help prime the Nationals for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia.

The Nationals, despite missing several key players, took home a wire-to-wire 74-64 victory fashioned before a rowdy crowd at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, but coach Tim Cone wasn’t particularly concerned with how the scoreboard read.

“Well you know, we weren’t concerned about winning or losing a basketball game, we wanted to play a certain style. And I think they did a really good job of throwing a lot of jump defense at us—things that we haven’t been prepared for because we’re only been practicing for three days,” he told reporters in the din of celebration at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Taiwan Mustangs in tune-up before OQT

“But we worked hard on the defensive side. (Sam) Deguara, the big guy, was a load for everybody. Took a lot of space offensively and defensively and caused us some problems, but that’s what exactly we needed,” he added.

“We didn’t want it to be easy. If it was easy, then it’s not gonna help us. This is what’s hard and we were happy it was hard.”

Gilas, despite not having trailed in the contest, actually had to fend off the Mustang’s spirited tries at a comeback. Led by the hulking 7-foot-6 Deguara and nine-time PBA champion Alex Cabagnot, the visitors even trimmed the lead to just two, 34-32.

But Dwight Ramos and Justin Brownlee picked up where they left off, starring yet again for Gilas months removed from their last tour.

Ramos had 19 points built on a 4-of-5 shooting from deep to lead the way for the Nationals. Brownlee, fresh from a stint in Indonesia, chipped in 12 points and 15 rebounds.

“Obviously, I mean, for this day, it wasn’t pretty,” Cone pointed out. “We gotta be better. But that’s why we have these games. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we have to be better.”

Two more friendlies

Gilas is set to fly for Turkiye on Tuesday, 9 p.m. where they will play its national team for yet another tuneup match in preparation for the OQT in Latvia.

The Nationals are also scheduled to play the Polish national team before plunging into action in Riga where they will try to take down two higher-ranked nations in World No. 6 Latvia and No. 23 Georgia for a chance to advance in the knockout stage of the short meet that will complete the field of the Summer Olympic Games that will be held in Paris, France.

June Mar Fajardo had eight points after being reduced to a spectator in the last Gilas tour. Japeth Aguilar reprised his role and added six points off the bench. Mason Amos, who was tapped as a reserve back in April, chipped in three in the effort.

But there was no denying that Cone truly missed the injured Scottie Thompson, who had been central in his many campaigns with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA. “I do really, really miss Scottie. You all know how much I rely on Scottie. He’s such an infectious player. He infects the guys around him. He does all the things that don’t show up on the scorecard,” he said.



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“It’s not that we can’t find a replacement for him, it’s just that we’re missing him. Anybody we’d get is not gonna replace Scottie. That’s just a fact of life. But we don’t feel shorthanded. We talked to the 11 guys. They’re 11 strong.” INQ

Home crowd powers Dwight Ramos in Gilas’ trouncing of Mustangs

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Dwight Ramos leads Gilas Pilipinas past Taiwan Mustangs in a tune-up game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The home crowd inside the Philsports Arena fueled Dwight Ramos to help Gilas Pilipinas fend off a pesky Taiwan Mustangs in their tune-up game en route to the Fiba 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

With a capacity crowd cheering the Nationals in Pasig on Monday, Ramos showcased his talents for Gilas and powered the Philippines to a  74-64 win over the Mustangs.

“It’s always been great every time the game is in the Philippines,” said the Japan B.League Filipino import. “It always gets packed out and it’s always so fun to play here.”

READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Taiwan Mustangs in tune-up before OQT

With the crowd solely behind Ramos and Gilas, the Ateneo product led the game in scoring with 19 points plus four steals and three rebounds to match in 26 minutes of action.

Ramos also flaunted his offensive prowess, sinking seven of his 11 tries from the field for a blistering 63 percent shooting clip.

The latest win is only just the beginning for Gilas Pilipinas and Ramos, who are looking to make a good account of themselves in the OQT.

READ: Dwight Ramos likes current ‘bigger’ Gilas team

“I think the next two tune-up games will be a bigger test for us. This was still a good test for us, especially having a big dude and a lot of good imports.”

“Every game is good practice for us.”



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Before Gilas’ quest in Latvia syart July 3, it is set set for two more tune-up games as preparation.

Coach Tim Cone and company fly to Europe on Tuesday for a two-game stretch against Turkey and Poland, respectively.

Team USA’s Fil-Am manager relishes PH return at VNL

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USA men’s volleyball team manager David Dantes.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Team USA’s first time playing in Manila for the Volleyball Nations League was also a homecoming for the squad’s Filipino-American team manager David Dantes.

Dantes relished his return to the Philippines after 10 years.

“It’s really great to be back. I think the guys (players ) right now are having a wonderful experience. I think that’s been the best part. [For] most of our team, it’s their first time here and we love it. They love the fans, they love the passion, couldn’t be happier,” said Dantes, whose parents are from Quezon City. 

READ: VNL 2024: Experience makes USA’s Manila stint a ‘great success’

Like his players, Micah Christenson, Erik Shoji, Taylor Averill, and others, Dantes, who was born and raised in California and currently living in Georgia, was also in awe of the love Team USA received from the Filipino fans in their first VNL experience in Manila.

“It’s awesome. We want the sport to be popular everywhere. We want the fans to be as passionate as Filipino fans. So this means the world to us, and especially to our guys,” he said.

Dantes, who was also a coach and director for the University of Georgia, admitted he hasn’t watched Philippine volleyball games but after experiencing the massive Filipino crowd and his former player, Erica Staunton signing with Creamline as an import, he’s looking forward to catching PVL matches back home.

“I will now. Because one of my athletes in Georgia just started for Creamline last week. I will be watching it now because she’ll play,” said the Team USA’s technical support team and men’s sitting team Independent Contract Performance Analyst

“It’s really cool to see where I’m from, where my parents are from love it as passionately [as me]. Obviously, almost makes me want to come back and see the sport grow even more. It’s so cool to see the Philippines growing in the professional sport really quickly, which is great,” he added.

READ: VNL2024: USA star Taylor Averill wants to come back, explore PH

Dantes shares that grassroots development is key to taking Philippine volleyball to greater heights.

“I think it all starts at the grassroots level. Just provide as many opportunities as you can and let the kids, let the youth play as much as they can,” he said.

American libero Shoji shared the same sentiment as Dantes.

“I think it’s growing. Look at this crowd. So, we need more boys and girls playing volleyball and the more people the play, the better you’re gonna get. so, you know, we need more boys and girls playing volleyball in Manila, around the Philippines,” Shoji said. “That’s my hope for the country and little by little, step by step, they’ll get better.”



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USA, which finished with a 5-7 record, may have missed the VNL Final Eight after losing to Japan for the first time on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena, but the experience playing before an electric crowd still made the Americans’ stint a memorable one as they head home and gear up for the Paris Olympics.

NBA draft: International prospects beyond France

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FILE – Red Star’s Nikola Topic, right, drives to the basket during the Euroleague basketball match between Red Star and Partizan, in Belgrade, Serbia, on Jan. 4, 2024. AP Photo, File)

France isn’t the only country producing top prospects for the NBA — it just sort of seems that way.

Victor Wembanyama was the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft a year ago and went on to win the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

Two more Frenchmen — Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher — are projected top picks Wednesday night in the draft. Tidjane Salaun is another potential lottery pick from France, and Pacome Dadiet could go late in the first round.

But the international pool extends beyond France. Other prospects include Nikola Topic and Nikola Djurisic of Serbia, Bobi Klintman of Sweden, Juan Nunez of Spain and Ulrich Chomche of Cameroon.

READ: NBA: Hawks GM taking trade calls but plans to keep top pick

Here’s a closer look:

Nikola Topic (Serbia)

The 6-foot-6 point guard has a partially torn ACL but is still projected to be a first-round pick. He doesn’t turn 19 until August. He was projected as a top-five prospect early in the 2023-24 season following his performance with Belgrade club Mega — Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ’s old team. Topic made a midseason move back to his original club Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) to play alongside one of his idols, Milos Teodosic, and to get some meaningful minutes in the Euroleague. But he missed time with a left knee injury — before the ACL issue that came later.

“I’m working on my rehab with the knee injury, and that’s the main focus right now,” Topic said in a video call with reporters on June 4 from the NBA’s pre-draft camp in Treviso, Italy. “After that, I’ll work on basketball. … I’ve been doing (the) weight room. It’s not 100% healed. I haven’t started running or practicing with (the) basketball. The focus is on my rehab, on my knee and on my body mainly.”

In the latest AP NBA mock draft, Topic is projected to be selected 15th. He needs to improve his 3-point shooting — as he shot around 30% last season. He averaged 14.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.3 turnovers per game in an injury-shortened season.

Nikola Djurisic (Serbia)

The 6-7 small forward has logged major minutes the past two years as a starter with Mega, where he was teammates with Topic for part of last season. The 20-year-old Djurisic improved his 3-point shooting this season but still shot just 30.5% overall — and 33.6% in 30 Adriatic League games. He averaged 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.2 turnovers.

In an interview with the Indiana Pacers when he visited there for a pre-draft workout, the 209-pound Djurisic said he is trying to show that he is a “three-level scorer, can defend multiple positions, can switch 1 to 4.” He says he’s “definitely a creator” on the floor “who cares about finding open teammates.” He’s projected as a second-round pick.

READ: Bronny James is staying in the NBA draft, agent announces

Bobi Klintman (Sweden)

The 21-year-old Swede played this past season in Australia as part of the National Basketball League’s “ Next Stars ” program. A versatile 6-foot-9 forward, Klintman shot 36% from 3-point range in 23 NBL games for the Cairns Taipans while averaging 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. The 212-pound Klintman played one season at Wake Forest and withdrew from last year’s draft. The AP mock draft predicts Klintman going toward the end of the first round.

Juan Nunez (Spain)

After developing through Real Madrid’s youth system, the 6-4 point guard played with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany the past two seasons. The lefthander shot 31.9% from 3-point range in both of his seasons there.

The 20-year-old Nunez has shown improvement. He averaged 9.9 points, 4.9 assists and 2.3 turnovers in 2023-24 and in 15 Eurocup games he upped those numbers to 10.8 points, 5.7 assists and shot 35% from beyond the arc. A crafty pick-and-roll playmaker, the 205-pound Nunez lacks explosiveness. He’s not an elite defender but can be disruptive on that end of the floor. Nunez shot only 60.7% from the free throw line last season. Most mock drafts predict Nunez as a second-round pick, which could make a draft-and-stash candidate.

Ulrich Chomche (Cameroon)

The 6-10 center is trying to become the first NBA Academy student-athlete to go directly to an NBA team. The 232-pound Chomche just barely qualifies for this draft — he turns 19 on Dec. 30.



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He has played in two seasons of the Basketball Africa League. Chomche was preparing for a third season but withdrew when he received an invitation to the NBA combine. In three BAL qualification games playing for the academy’s team, he averaged 13 points, nine rebounds and 2.7 blocks. His game is often described as “ raw,” because of limitations on the offensive end. With a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he can certainly block shots and protect the rim, though. Africa academy alums Babacar Sané of Senegal and Thierry Darlan of the Central African Republic left for the G League Ignite. Sané is in the draft; Darlan had declared but withdrew.

Ex-barista Bates helps brew winning concoction for Bolts

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Brandon Bates –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Meralco rookie Brandon Bates feels his time working in a coffee shop in his hometown Australia was “the most cathartic job” he has ever done in his life.

“In case you guys still haven’t noticed, I love talking to people, serving people,” he said in a candid chat with the Inquirer.“I’d be up at four or five o’clock in the morning for the opening shift and sometimes, if I have to stay for the whole day, until 4 p.m. then 4:30 for the end of [the shift]. I just love doing it.”

Bates may have to soon reconsider his answer as he is shaping up to become a key figure in the Bolts’ future campaigns following a riveting performance that helped deliver the franchise’s first-ever PBA title.

Picked eighth overall in the last Rookie Draft, the La Salle product who traces his Filipino lineage through his mom, held his own against the league’s premier big men Japeth Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger, and ultimately the highly revered and the PBA’s seven-time MVP, June Mar Fajardo.

Bates said that going up against the PBA’s top-flight frontline talents is going to be transformative for his career—especially considering the frequency of those meetings.

“I think it’s incredibly important [to be] playing against the best of the best in a seven-game series. I’ve learned a lot from it, so hopefully, I’ll be able to take it into my second season,” he said.

Bates played against the Aguilar-Standhardinger tandem for seven grueling games, and then another six tightly contested matches against Fajardo, whose peers call the most dominant of this era.

As rich as the praise heaped upon him, Bates felt he wouldn’t have unlocked such a fine play if not for his teammates. And that is also the same thing that fuels his optimism heading into the next season.

“We have so many other great players. So many other vets who have guided me, who have shown me the ropes, showed me how to play,” he went on. “All things considered, It’s just part of the course.”

Bates has repeatedly likened the progression of his young career to a movie—having gone from serving espresso shots to hitting and blocking them in Asia’s pioneering pro league. INQ



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