NBA Rising Stars 2022: Meet the Future Superstars Dominating the Court

I still remember the first time I watched Kai Sotto play—there was something about his movement on the court that made me pause my scrolling and actually pay attention. At 7'3", he moves with a grace you don’t often see in players his size, and honestly, it’s refreshing. Right now, as we look at the 2022 NBA Rising Stars, it’s players like Sotto who embody what this event is all about: raw talent meeting global opportunity. I’ve followed international prospects for years, and what strikes me this season is how many of these young athletes aren’t just waiting for the NBA draft—they’re building careers worldwide, gathering experience that will eventually translate onto the biggest stages.

Just last week, Sotto was back in town after wrapping up his campaign with the Japan B.League’s Koshigaya Alphas. I caught wind of his visit through local sports circles, and it turns out he didn’t come alone. He brought along his coach, Ryuzo Anzai, and the two of them settled into the arena to watch the PBA doubleheader—San Miguel taking on Terrafirma, followed by Magnolia versus Rain or Shine. Now, if you ask me, that’s not just a casual night out. That’s a scouting trip blended with mentorship, and it speaks volumes about how today’s rising stars approach their development. Sotto’s decision to play in Japan first, rather than rushing into the G-League or college basketball, shows a strategic patience I wish more young athletes would embrace. The B.League might not have the glamour of the NBA, but it’s a competitive environment where players can hone fundamentals without the overwhelming media glare.

Watching from the stands, Sotto and Anzai weren’t just passive observers. I’ve been in those seats myself—back when I covered Asian basketball circuits—and there’s a particular intensity when you’re analyzing plays live. You notice the footwork, the defensive rotations, the way a point guard reads the pick-and-roll. I imagine Sotto was doing the same, mentally cataloging moves he might add to his own game. At 19 years old, he’s already logging meaningful minutes overseas, and the stats back up the hype: in his last 10 games with the Alphas, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers by NBA standards, but in a physical league like Japan’s, they’re solid—especially for someone his age.

What excites me most about this new wave of talent is their global fluency. Sotto isn’t the only one taking the international route—players like Josh Giddey (Australia) and Usman Garuba (Spain) have shown that experience abroad can fast-track adaptability. I’ve always believed that the NBA’s future isn’t just rooted in athleticism; it’s in basketball IQ, and you develop that by facing different styles of play. When Sotto returns to Japan, he’ll carry with him insights from the PBA’s aggressive, guard-oriented style—something he can blend with the Alphas’ system. It’s this kind of cross-pollination that creates complete players, not just highlight-reel dunkers.

Still, let’s be real—the path from rising star to superstar is never smooth. I’ve seen countless prospects fizzle out because they peaked too early or couldn’t adjust to the NBA’s pace. Sotto, for instance, needs to bulk up. He’s listed at 210 pounds, but to bang bodies with NBA centers, he’ll likely need to add another 20-25 pounds of muscle. And his three-point shooting? It’s improving, but at 28% from beyond the arc last season, there’s clear room for growth. These aren’t deal-breakers—they’re checkpoints. The fact that he’s already addressing them while competing professionally overseas tells me he’s on the right track.

As the 2022 NBA Rising Stars event approaches, I’m keeping a close eye on how these young players perform under pressure. The Rising Stars Challenge, if you recall, averaged 4.2 million viewers last year—a 16% jump from 2021—and that kind of visibility can make or break a reputation. For Sotto and others on the cusp, it’s not just about showing off flashy plays; it’s about demonstrating basketball maturity. Can they make the right pass? Do they understand defensive assignments? Are they coachable? These are the questions scouts and fans like me are asking.

In my opinion, the future of the NBA has never looked more diverse or exciting. The league is shedding its America-centric mold, and the 2022 Rising Stars are a testament to that shift. When I see Kai Sotto sitting courtside with his coach, dissecting PBA games, I don’t just see a player on hiatus—I see someone investing in his own growth. And that, more than any dunk or block, is what separates a prospect from a future superstar. So as we gear up for another thrilling showcase, remember: the stars of tomorrow aren’t just born; they’re built—through leagues, across borders, and in quiet moments of study between the buzzers.