Kai Sotto dominates in Gilas Youth tune-up versus Al Rayyan

Seventeen-year-old big man Kai Sotto continues to lead the way for Gilas Pilipinas Youth, taking charge in the team’s 79-54 dismantling of pro club Al Rayyan, Monday morning (Philippine time) in Doha, Qatar.

Kai Sotto played 26 minutes against players years older than him. He tallied 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in this friendly organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation and SportsVision.

And he proved to be instrumental in a huge third quarter burst that saw the young Filipinos go on a 16-0 spurt that turned a six-point lead into a 22-point cushion.

Gilas Youth would lead by as much as 30 points in the contest, 79-49.

Rhayyan Amsali and Gerry Abadiano had nine points each.

Geo Chiu added eight points and five rebounds, while AJ Edu scattered six points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.

Fil-Italian pro Dalph Panopio also joined the team for the first time, playing 14 minutes in the game for three points and two assists.

This is the first of two tune-up games Gilas Youth will figure in before heading to Greece for the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.