KAI SOTTO will have to wait a little longer for the continuation of his National Basketball League (NBL) debut with the Adelaide 36ers following another game postponement still due to the team’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) protocols.
As per the NBL announcement on Wednesday, it has moved the scheduled match between Adelaide and the Perth Wildcats tomorrow at the Adelaide Entertainment Center to next Wednesday under the directive of government and health authorities.
It’s the third 36ers game to be postponed after their matches against Perth anew on Dec. 28 and South East Melbourne on Jan. 2 have been moved to still-to-be-determined dates.
A member of the Adelaide squad tested positive for COVID-19 last week, prompting all players and staff to be considered as close contacts.
“The health and safety of the players, coaches, clubs, staff and fans is the league’s number one priority when considering these matters,” said the NBL, adding that further testing will be implemented.
Mr. Sotto, the 7-foot-3 Filipino wunderkind, had just made his debut for the 36ers prior the series of postponed matches after missing the first four games due to knee soreness.
He registered one point, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks in limited play as Adelaide bowed to the Cairns Taipans, 93-67, following a two-game win streak.
The 36ers, who ruled the NBL Blitz preseason games, hold a 2-3 card. — John Bryan Ulanday