Seven-foot-three Kai Sotto almost produced a triple-double in Gilas Pilipinas’ historic win over New Zealand.
Less than two weeks before Gilas Pilipinas was scheduled to play New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Kai Sotto was in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury while playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in the Japan B.League.
While there was guarded optimism that the seven-foot-three Sotto would recover in time for the Nov. 21 game, the fact that he was required to stay away from any physical activity meant he had less practice time with Gilas for this window of the qualifiers.
Sotto did make it back in time, and if there was any lingering doubt whether he would be at 100% come game time, he quickly put this to rest right in the first quarter of Gilas’ 93-89 win over the Tall Blacks.
Right off the bat, he won the opening jump ball. He scored Gilas’ first points of the game off two free throws. By the end of the quarter, he had six points, three rebounds, and two assists. By the time the final buzzer sounded off Gilas’ historic triumph, Kai Sotto had an impressive statline that read 19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and an efficiency rating of plus-31.
What’s more, he showed a willingness to mix it up inside, showing off a level of physicality that wasn’t always there before has he matched the Tall Blacks’ ruggedness in the paint.
Not bad for someone who was coming off a concussion.
“I just love the commitment that Kai is showing coming in every day, every time coming in early,” Tim Cone said of his prized center. “Poor guy had to go through two-a-day practice coming off a concussion and still battled through it all.”
Sotto downplayed his monster stats, instead pointing to Gilas’ teamwork. “It’s a really great team win, offensively and defensively,” he said. “I think everybody did a good job contributing to this win.”
At least one of Kai’s teammates believes he is now good enough to play at the highest level.
“Man, I’ve been saying, I think he’s good enough to play in the NBA in my honest opinion,” gushed Justin Brownlee, who led Gilas with 26 points. “Of course, he’s got the height, he’s got the size and the skills. He’s improved so much. For me, it’s great to see a young player like him with so much attention, to see him fulfill his potential. He’s got a long way to go. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.”
The Tall Blacks came into the game having never lost to the Philippines in FIBA competition, and early on they sought to impose their physicality especially in the shaded area.
“They are good. They are really good,” Cone said of their opponents, who came into the game with a FIBA ranking of 22. “They are incredibly physical. I think that was the number one thing we had to battle through. Credit to Kai and June Mar (Fajardo) for battling through. Their bigs were really physical with us.
“And, of course, Justin. They were physical with Justin. They rotated two, almost three guys on him and just banged him all game long. So to overcome that and find a way to win was really special. Again, especially because of our home court, our home crowd, and the people watching.”
When pressed again about his sterling performance, Sotto remained humble.
“I think it’s just a great team win. Everybody, as I said, contributed. And I’m just very happy we got the win. We really worked hard, you know, in terms of preparation. And, you know, coming into this game, we just wanted to bring our A game because we know how good New Zealand is. And we really respect them as a team.
“And, yeah, I’m just happy we got the win. And hopefully we get another one on Sunday against Hong Kong.”
Banner Images from FIBA.