Batang Gilas Pilipinas big men and 23 for 2023 Cadets Carl Tamayo and Kai Sotto have been banging bodies with players way older during the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, presented by Chooks-to-Go.
Though their Filoil campaign was seen as a baptism of fire for the two, it is also a huge boost to them in preparation for the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup.
In the group stages of the tournament alone, the two will face the up-and-coming big men of Croatia, France, and Argentina.
That is why the 17-year-old Tamayo is grateful to have had that experience under his belt.
“Laking bagay. Natuto ako maging disciplined at patient sa court. Sharing the ball yung biggest takeaway ko na puwede ko turo sa mga teammates ko,” Tamayo said during the Chooks-to-Go-hosted send-off for the team.
Another thing he learned under coach Jong Uichico is how to play the small forward position, which will be useful for the 6-foot-7 Tamayo when coach Mike Oliver decides to field a big line-up that includes him and Sotto.
“Big man ako e pero tinatrabaho ko rin shooting ko. Sa World Cup sana madali ko ito,” Tamayo shared.
And come the World Cup, the future of Philippine basketball will be put to the test.
