Kai Sotto showed his improved strength on Thursday evening, during Gilas Pilipinas Youth’s tune-up game against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
With 8:14 left in the second frame in the offense of Gilas Youth going stagnant, the 7-foot-1 big man made sure to fire up his teammates.
After getting the ball at the post, Sotto soared in the air over 6-foot-11 Cameroonian Patrick Tchuente for a powerful left-handed jam that dropped the Tamaraw.
Then just a few moments later, Sotto received the ball from the right corner. Seeing Barkley Ebona sag against him, the second generation cager drove hard to the lane.
Thinking that he had Sotto right where he wanted him, the 6-foot-5 Tamaraw said, “Huli ka” as he and Sotto clashed midair. However, the former UAAP Juniors Most Valuable Player decided to throw down a reverse slam to victimize his second FEU player for the night.
And in both instances, Sotto let out a loud growl.
“Wala. Nadala lang sa emosyon kasi intense talaga yung laro. Talagang nangyayari yun,” recalled Sotto, who led Batang Gilas to a 67-66 win over FEU.
For Sotto, firing up his teammates will be particularly important during their campaign in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, as one of their opponents will be host Greece.
Knowing that they will be up against a hostile crowd, they only have each other to cheer them on.
“Kailangan pa namin [i]pakita yung composure namin ‘pag napre-pressure kami. Kasi mas engaged yung bench ng kalaban at mas maingay,” the 17-year-old shared.
“Eh yung makakalaban namin sa World Cup is Greece, so expect namin na mas maraming manonood na against us at mas engaged sila. Magandang experience sa amin yung mga games kasi alam namin na mas marami pa kaming kailangan iimprove.”
