Kai Sotto overcomes comeback jitters in Gilas Pilipinas win

TOWERING. Kai Sotto in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. FIBA Kai Sotto embraces the pressures and steps up when needed the most as he steers Gilas Pilipinas back on track in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto erupted in a thunderous roar after his block sealed Gilas Pilipinas’ win over Jordan in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. It was the culmination of two years of waiting and pent-up emotions, all released in one defining moment as the 7-foot-3 big man proved to be just what the doctor ordered in his national team return. “Before the game, I had a lot on my mind. There was a mix of excitement and the realization that it had been such a long time since I last played for the national team,” said Sotto in a mix of Filipino and English. “I knew I was carrying a lot of pressure, and I’m just really happy that was able to translate into my performance on the court what I had been waiting so long to do — play for the national team again.” Sotto finished with team highs of 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks as the Philippines escaped with an 82-81 overtime win on Friday, August 28, to get its World Cup bid back on track after losing its last four games in the Asian Qualifiers. Jordan stayed on the Philippines’ heels until the final second before Sotto swatted away a point-blank layup by Abdullah Olajuwon to secure the victory, much to the delight of a packed crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena. The block completed the Filipinos’ comeback from 18 points down as they defended their turf even without injured naturalized player Justin Brownlee, with the likes of CJ Perez (16 points), Kevin Quiambao (14 points), and Dwight Ramos (14 points) rising to the occasion. “I’m really happy that everyone contributed. We had a slow start, but as you saw, we fought our way back. I’m extremely proud of the team,” said Sotto. Sotto last saw action for the national team in 2024 before an injury in early 2025 sidelined him, but there was little sign of rust as he seamlessly fit back into the squad. For head coach Tim Cone, that adaptability makes Sotto special. “He’s really that smart and intelligent. And that makes the people around him better. Everybody’s better when he’s on the floor,” Cone said of Sotto. “Whether it be passing or screening or rolling, the attention he grabs, he just makes everybody around him better.” – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading