The 7-foot-1 teenager had been fielded in by the decorated tactician for their fourth and final tuneup this week after not being able to take part in their previous three, as he had to focus on his academic commitments.
“I’m pretty happy. Hindi naman siya nagkalat,” said Guiao, as Sotto had two points and a handful of rebounds in Gilas’ 60-71 loss.
What Guiao really admired from the Ateneo Blue Eaglets star had been the way he kept up with much more matured competition — Sotto even made the venue rock when he tried to dunk all over Lebanon’s 6-foot-10 center Ater Majok.
“He actually tried to dunk on the big man of the other team,” said the fiery tactician.
“So he’s a fighter for one thing and he doesn’t get intimidated.”
Guiao had already mentioned before that the second-generation cager Sotto is their investment for the future of the Philippine basketball. So now, he hopes to see improvements and developments from the 16-year-old.
“Ang kulang lang talaga niya is yung maturity ng katawan niya. Mahina pa siya saka siguro when his body develops a little bit more in one or two years, he will develop the strength together with the quickness,” Guiao said.
“Kasi hindi naman siya mabagal kaya lang pwede pa syang bumilis. Pwede pa siyang lumakas so sa height naman niya, okay na yung height niya eh. Ayoko na nga siyang tumangkad eh, gusto ko lumapad na lang siya.”
