Kai Sotto is a key part of Gilas Pilipinas, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the middle for the national team in FIBA play.
Gilas Pilipinas are a different team without Kai Sotto.
New Zealand coach Judd Flavell had this to say after the Tall Blacks turned back Gilas in a close one, 69-66, in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last Thursday, Feb. 26.
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“We know Kai Sotto is a big part of the puzzle for the Philippines. I was here back in November 2024 when he played,” said Flavell, referring to the Asia Cup Qualifiers in 2024 when the Filipinos beat them for the first time.
In that game, Sotto went for 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and one steal is one of his best games for the national team.
With Sotto, Gilas has an ace at center and gives the Philippines a fighting chance to match up better with higher-ranked opposition.
As such, his absence leaves a massive hole in the middle for Gilas Pilipinas.
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“He [Sotto] gives them another dynamic,” said Flavell.
“He's very mobile, and obviously being over 7 feet, he's going to be giving them another dynamic to play. So he does absolutely help," the New Zealand coach added.
With Sotto now healthy following ACL injury, the 7’3” center could make his Gilas return by the next FIBA window, which will feature another Gilas-New Zealand showdown.
“Next time we're going to see the Philippines is in July. So we know there's going to be another big challenge,” said Flavell.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.