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Tim Cone praises the rapport between twin towers June Mar Fajardo and Kai Sotto as Gilas Pilipinas preserves its unbeaten run in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto and June Mar Fajardo both play the center position, but their undeniable chemistry has prompted Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone to play them together.
Cone praised the rapport of the twin towers as the Philippines preserved its unbeaten run in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers following a breakthrough 93-89 win over New Zealand on Thursday, November 21.
“I just love playing June Mar and Kai together. I think it’s so much fun to watch those guys play. They have great synergy between the two of them and they look for each other,” said Cone.
“They complete each other and I just think that the two of them work really, really hard to be successful together.”
With the Kiwi defense focused on keeping the 6-foot-10 Fajardo away from the paint, the 7-foot-3 Sotto capitalized and delivered his finest performance for the national team.
Sotto finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals — an impressive showing that earned him huge praise from teammate Justin Brownlee, who said the 22-year-old star is “good enough” to make the NBA.
Fajardo, meanwhile, contributed 6 points and 3 rebounds in 18 minutes of action, with two of his baskets assisted by Sotto.
“You don’t see very many two power, inside guys playing the game together anymore these days. It’s really fun to watch them play. I really enjoy it,” said Cone.
Expect Cone to explore more of the Sotto-Fajardo combination as the Nationals look to reassert their mastery over visiting Hong Kong to wrap up their two-game homestand on Sunday, November 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
A Gilas win over Hong Kong coupled with a New Zealand triumph over Chinese Taipei will allow the Philippines to secure its Asia Cup berth. – Rappler.com
