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Instead of talking about his impressive performance, Kai Sotto opts to praise the brilliance of the entire team as Gilas Pilipinas stuns New Zealand for the first time
MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto got asked multiple times about arguably his finest performance in a Gilas Pilipinas uniform.
But instead of talking about his stellar play, Sotto praised the brilliance of the entire team.
Perhaps, that team mentality has been the key as Sotto and Gilas Pilipinas stayed unbeaten in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers following a breakthrough 93-89 win over New Zealand on Thursday, November 21.
“I think it’s just a great team win. Everybody contributed and I’m just very happy we got the win. We really worked hard in terms of preparation and coming into this game,” said Sotto.
“We just wanted to bring our A game because we know how good New Zealand is and we really respect them as a team.”
As much as Sotto would like the victory to be about the team, his showing simply stood out.
The 7-foot-3 big man shone at both ends, churning out a near triple-double of 19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals as the Filipinos finally beat the Tall Blacks after losing in all four previous FIBA encounters.
And his efforts did not go unnoticed.
“Don’t forget the 7 assists that Kai had tonight, I mean, amazing. He’s doing it all — scoring, rebounding, and assists,” said Gilas head coach Tim Cone.
For Cone, the versatility that Sotto affords the team proved to be the missing piece when the Philippines fell short of a Paris Games berth in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).
Sotto sustained a rib injury and sat out as the Philippines bowed to Brazil, 71-60, in the OQT semifinals.
“I thought we would have done a lot better if this guy hadn’t gotten hurt,” said Cone. “That kind of put us behind the eight ball. You can see the effect that Kai has on the game.”
Sotto formed a potent one-two punch with naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who brought the Philippines home with crucial free throws down the stretch and finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.
“He can do everything on the court. He definitely makes the game a lot easier for everybody,” Brownlee said of Sotto.
After three games in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, Sotto is averaging 16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks.
That kind of production will be needed as Sotto and the Nationals seek to complete a sweep of their two-game homestand when they host Hong Kong on Sunday, November 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com
