KAI SOTTO IMPRESSES THE BASKETBALL WORLD! In 2025, Zach Edey is the 9th Pick! Fits Well with NBA Style

The world of basketball has seen a revolution in terms of both skill development and talent scouting in recent years. As global talent continues to rise and dominate the NBA, two names are beginning to stand out in the 2025 NBA draft class: Kai Sotto and Zach Edey. These two players, both towering over their competitors, are changing the perception of big men in modern basketball, and their draft selections are turning heads worldwide. Among the many standouts in this year’s NBA draft, Zach Edey’s selection as the 9th overall pick has raised eyebrows, while Kai Sotto continues to impress with his unique playing style and remarkable development as a player.

In this article, we will delve into how Kai Sotto and Zach Edey have become significant figures in the basketball world, and why Edey’s selection as the 9th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft aligns perfectly with the league’s evolving style of play. From their skill sets to their international influence, these two players symbolize the changing dynamics in basketball’s globalized future.

The Rise of Kai Sotto: A Global Phenomenon

Kai Sotto, a 7-foot-3 center from the Philippines, has rapidly ascended to the forefront of international basketball. He first caught the attention of scouts when he moved to the United States to play high school basketball. His combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ quickly set him apart. Throughout his career, Sotto has been praised for his exceptional ability to stretch the floor, his shot-blocking ability, and his fluid movement for someone of his height. Despite the challenges of coming from a country that has traditionally not produced top NBA talent, Sotto has defied expectations and impressed scouts and coaches alike with his all-around game.

At the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, Sotto proved that he was more than just a physically imposing figure. His ability to shoot from range, coupled with his solid basketball fundamentals, made it clear that he was ready for the next step in his basketball journey. Sotto’s ability to space the floor as a shooting big man is particularly noteworthy. He has worked tirelessly on his three-point shot, becoming a much more consistent and dangerous weapon from beyond the arc. This has been critical for his draft stock, as the NBA continues to trend toward small-ball lineups and positions that are versatile and capable of shooting from anywhere on the court.

One of the main factors that set Sotto apart is his high basketball IQ. Sotto has always been known for his unselfish style of play and his passing ability from the post. These traits are valuable in the modern NBA, where big men are expected to be multifaceted players, capable of both scoring and facilitating offense. Sotto’s intelligence on the court allows him to read defenses and make plays that other big men might miss, further solidifying his place in the league.

Moreover, his international appeal cannot be ignored. Kai Sotto has become a symbol of hope and pride for the Filipino basketball community, who have long awaited a player who could represent them on the NBA stage. His international following brings a unique element to his potential, with his popularity already transcending borders. NBA teams are keenly aware of the untapped potential market that a player like Sotto brings, which only adds to his value as a top draft prospect.

With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, Sotto is expected to be one of the top picks. His impressive performances in international competitions, including his standout appearances in the FIBA Basketball World Cup and other regional tournaments, have solidified his place as one of the most promising prospects from the Philippines. Many analysts believe that Sotto’s game will continue to develop rapidly, and in the right system, he could be a future NBA star.

Zach Edey: Dominating the College Scene and Fitting the NBA Mold

While Sotto’s rise has been meteoric, another name that is gaining traction as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft is Zach Edey, the 7-foot-4 center from Purdue University. Edey’s size alone has earned him comparisons to some of the biggest names in NBA history, but what sets him apart is his ability to play with finesse, power, and fluidity all at once.

Edey has been a dominant force in college basketball, particularly in the NCAA tournament, where he displayed his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability on both ends of the floor. His playstyle is that of a traditional center, with a heavy emphasis on the paint, rebounding, and interior defense. However, unlike many of his predecessors who were slow-footed or lacked the necessary skills outside the paint, Edey has shown an impressive ability to move quickly in transition, set solid screens, and finish at the rim with great consistency.

Edey’s physical tools are undeniable, but his basketball IQ and work ethic are what have elevated his game to the level it is today. Over his college career, Edey has become a better passer, developing the ability to find open teammates out of the post. His passing is fluid, showing his understanding of spacing and timing, and he’s particularly adept at making the right decision when drawing double teams. This development is critical as the NBA continues to evolve, with more big men being asked to facilitate offense rather than just score.

Perhaps the most exciting part of Edey’s game is his ability to contribute in a way that suits the modern NBA. While many of his peers in college basketball were dominant in the paint, Edey’s size doesn’t hinder his ability to move around the floor and contribute in a variety of ways. As the NBA moves towards a more perimeter-oriented game, big men like Edey who can defend the rim, catch lobs, and finish strong around the basket are becoming increasingly valuable.

What makes Edey a perfect fit for the NBA is his work ethic and willingness to adapt. Throughout his college career, he has focused on conditioning and mobility, two areas where many traditional big men struggle. His ability to guard multiple positions and switch on defense makes him a valuable asset in the current NBA climate, where the pace of play is faster, and defenses are more fluid.

Zach Edey’s Selection as the 9th Pick

When the NBA announced that Zach Edey was selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it was not just a win for Edey himself, but a testament to the shifting priorities in the NBA. For a long time, centers like Edey, who relied primarily on their size and dominance in the post, were being phased out in favor of more versatile, perimeter-oriented bigs. However, as the game continues to evolve, teams have recognized the value of players who can dominate the paint while also contributing in a modern, fluid system.

Edey’s selection as the 9th pick shows that NBA teams are increasingly interested in players who can blend traditional center skills with the modern demands of the game. In a league that has seen a rise in “positionless” basketball, a player like Edey, who is capable of being both a defensive anchor and a focal point in the offense, brings a rare combination of skills that are hard to find in today’s draft pool. His selection is also a reflection of how NBA teams value versatility and adaptability more than ever before.

The 9th overall pick is a highly coveted selection, and many analysts believe that Edey will be an instant contributor to whichever team he joins. His ability to dominate in the paint, combined with his growing skill set and basketball intelligence, will make him a standout player in the NBA for years to come.

Conclusion: The Future of Big Men in the NBA

The selections of Kai Sotto and Zach Edey in the 2025 NBA Draft represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of the NBA. The league has seen the rise of perimeter-oriented bigs like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo, but it’s clear that traditional big men still have a place in the modern game. Both Sotto and Edey exemplify how the role of the center is evolving, blending the classic skills of rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring with a modern emphasis on versatility, mobility, and basketball IQ.

As the NBA continues to embrace global talent and new playing styles, the future looks incredibly bright for big men who can adapt to the changing landscape of the sport. The rise of Sotto and Edey is not just about their immense physical talents, but also about how they have integrated themselves into the modern game, making them prime candidates to make an impact in the league for years to come.