Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 20) – Filipino basketball prodigy Kai Sotto has earned good marks with Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin on his performance in his national team seniors debut.
In the post-match press conference after Gilas defeated South Korea on Sunday, Baldwin noted he was surprised by the mentality and toughness shown by the 7-foot-3 basketball wunderkind in their three games in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
“I was really impressed with how tough he is and I really didn’t expect that. We’re all impressed of how quickly he has learned the basics of our system without learning the nuances of it,” said Baldwin.
Baldwin made the assessment despite the 19-year-old player’s limited time training with Gilas since he underwent quarantine protocols upon arriving from the United States last June 1.
Sotto had a modest outing in his first three games with Gilas Men’s as he recorded an average of 9.3 points and seven rebounds. His best showing was in their first game against South Korea last June 16, where he finished with 11 points and seven boards.
The Gilas head coach added that Sotto needs to improve his strength and strategies inside the court.
“Kai has gonna have to learn a little bit more about his finesse game. I think he’s trying to go on a power game and he’s not a power player yet,” said Baldwin, citing the difference of the game’s physicality in Sotto’s exposure in the United States.
Baldwin believes that Sotto will gain more experience once he faces the big men of Serbia and the Dominican Republic in the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualification Tournament later this month.
In the Belgrade, Serbia Olympic qualifiers, Sotto may face the likes of newly crowned NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and Dallas Mavericks slotman Boban Marjanovic from Serbia.
“His competitive spirit is really admirable. I think he and for all the players, going up against Serbia and Dominican Republic will be a great learning experience. Our job is to compete and to try figure out ways to compete and I know that’s possible. I have no doubt that Kai will reflect that attitude,” the veteran international mentor said.
After his Gilas stint, Sotto is expected to suit up for the Australian professional ball club Adelaide 36ers as a stepping stone for his dream to become the first full-blooded Filipino to play in the National Basketball Association.
