(UPDATED) Filipino teenager Kai Sotto becomes the latest high-profile prospect to take his talents to the NBA G League, putting him one step closer towards his dream of playing in the NBA.

On social media, Sotto said that playing in the G League "is the best route for me to get closer and faster to that dream."

"Here, I will be playing with some of the very best and I will have even more resources and support. I am committed to work on developing my game on a much bigger stage," he added. "I'm very proud and excited to start my professional career with the NBA G League Select Team. I hope to continue counting on your support."

Let’s go! @nbagleague pic.twitter.com/GNZkPTMxMa

— Kai Sotto (@kzsottolive) May 14, 2020

US media reported earlier this week that the Batang Gilas standout would be joining the G League, where he will play alongside top prospects Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix. Sotto said they had "many options available" before deciding on the G League.

NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim, in a statement, welcomed Sotto to the league and said he "will have the opportunity to accelerate his on-court development as he learns NBA-style basketball."

The NBA G League Select Team will be unaffiliated with any existing NBA G League franchise or NBA team. Instead, the one-year developmental program is focused on giving the prospects the opportunity to begin their professional careers while also receiving mentorship and life skills training.

The team will reportedly play against other G League teams, foreign national teams, and NBA academies.

It was previously reported that Green's contract in the G League was worth $500,000.

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"In the last year I have been here in America, I have learned so much. I worked on improving my basketball skills, building up my body and gaining the confidence to play against the best basketball players around the world," Sotto said. "The opportunity I was given was wonderful."

"My wish is that you continue to support me and my new teammates, and pray for us and hope for all of our success and health as a team," he added.

Sotto starred for Ateneo de Manila University's high school team, leading them to a championship in 2018. He left for the United States the next year and joined The Skill Factory in Atlanta. He has represented the Philippines in several FIBA youth tournaments, and also participated in the Basketball Without Borders Camp in February.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).