Kai Sotto has made a habit of coming up with the biggest defensive play when Gilas Pilipinas needs it most, from his junior national team days to the senior stage.
And in his long-awaited return to the Nationals, the 7-foot-3 center did it once again.
With just nine seconds left in overtime and the Philippines clinging to an 82-81 lead, Jordan had one final chance to steal the game. Abdullah Olajuwon drove toward the basket for what appeared to be a potential game-winning layup — only for Sotto to rise and swat the attempt away, preserving a thrilling victory for Gilas Pilipinas on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It was the perfect exclamation point to Sotto’s first appearance on national team duty after a two-year absence.
More than the final block, however, Sotto was instrumental throughout the contest, leading the Philippines in scoring with 18 points while hauling down 14 rebounds for a double-double.
The long wait to represent the country again served as Sotto’s biggest motivation heading into the game.
“Iniisip ko lang na ang tagal ko nang hindi nakapaglaro for the national team, and alam ko na mabigat yung pressure na dinadala ko,” he said.
The 24-year-old center felt especially pleased that he was finally able to turn the anticipation of his return into a performance that helped the Philippines secure the narrow win.
“Sobrang happy lang ako na na-translate ko sa court ‘yung matagal na hinihintay kong makapaglaro sa national team,” Sotto added.
But Sotto knew his individual numbers and game-saving block would not have been enough on their own. He also credited the collective effort of Gilas, particularly CJ Perez and Kevin Quiambao, who stepped up when the team needed them.
“Sobrang proud ako sa team namin ngayon.”
For head coach Tim Cone, however, Sotto’s impact goes well beyond his imposing 7-foot-3 frame.
“The thing about Kai, yes he’s 7-foot-3. But his knowledge of the game, his instincts of the game, is like that of a point guard. Because he’s really that smart and that intelligent, that’s what makes the people around him better,” the Gilas tactician said.
“Everyone’s better when he’s on the floor.”
Cone pointed to Sotto’s defensive impact as a prime example, as Jordan big man Ahmad Al Dwairi — who had been averaging 11 points and eight rebounds in the qualifiers — was held to just four points under the watch of the returning Gilas center.
And with the Philippines effectively playing a home game despite originally being slated elsewhere, the energy inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena became another crucial factor for Gilas.
For Sotto, the support from the fans helped push the Nationals over the finish line and complete his triumphant return.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung fans, lahat ng nanonood, at sa lahat ng nanonood sa mga bahay nila,” he expressed.
“Sobrang salamat sa suporta, sobrang laking bagay ng tulong ng fans ngayon.”
