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Posts tagged as “Kai Sotto”

Brazil defeats Gilas Pilipinas, advances to the Finals of FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024

July 7, 2024

Brazil will advance to the Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 and will be one win away to compete at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. They defeated Gilas Pilipinas in a hard-fought 71-60 victory on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

A dominant third quarter sealed the deal for Brazil. Led by Bruno Caboclo’s double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) and Lucas Dias’ strong showing (10 points and 9 rebounds), they turned the tide. Brazil tightened their defense, limiting Gilas to just 6 points in the third while exploding for 24 of their own.

Gilas Pilipinas was missing the services of big-man Kai Sotto. Additionally, Justin Brownlee’s, the hero of the first two games, was limited to the just 15 points and 8 rebounds. Brownlee averages 27 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists, prior to the Brazil game.

Brazil will face Latvia in the Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024. The winner of this game will claim one of the four remaining spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26th, 2024.

Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas can hold their heads high. They will surely have another opportunity to compete on the world stage.

Gila Pilipinas upset Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

July 3, 2024

The Philippines National Basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, kicked off their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament campaign in dramatic fashion with an upset victory over host nation Latvia on Wednesday. The final score: 89-80.

This is Philippines first win against a European team in an official FIBA competition since 1960, snapping a 64-year winless streak. The victory comes despite the absence of NBA player Jordan Clarkson, highlighting the depth and resilience of the Gilas Pilipinas squad.

Gilas Pilipinas started the game on an 8-0 run, then Latvia made a run at 21-16, but Gilas ended the 1st quarter on a 11-0 run punctuated by a clutch buzzer-beater by CJ Perez.

In the 2nd quarter, Latvia tried to make a run, but both teams managed to cancel each other out by scoring 22 points in the second period. In the second half, Latvia managed to make the game interesting by limiting Gilas to just 12 points in the final quarter. However, the 16-point lead that Gilas built in the first quarter proved too much for Latvia to overcome. The only consolation for the Latvian National Team is that they have already qualified for the semi-finals, unless Gilas wins by 28 points or more.

Justin Brownlee spearheaded Glias’ offense, scoring a game-high 26 points. He also contributed significantly with 9 rebounds and 9 assists, falling just one assist and rebound short of a coveted triple-double.

Brownlee received a lot help from Kai Sotto chipping-in 18 points and 8 rebounds, and 12 points from Dwight Ramos adding 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Gilas Head coach Tim Cone expressed surprise at the result, but hopes the team will use this momentum for the rest of the tournament.

Gilas next opponent is Georgia, and a win is crucial for Gilas to progress to the semi-finals and a step closer to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Game highlights

Another loss by Gilas Pilipinas to Angola in FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifiers (70-80)

August 29, 2023

The Philippines men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, lost to Angola, 80-70, in their FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers game on Sunday, August 27th at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. This defeat left Gilas Pilipinas winless in Group A of the tournament.

Gilas Pilipinas had a strong start to the game, taking a 19-12 lead after the first quarter. However, Angola responded with a strong second quarter, outscoring Gilas Pilipinas 24-14 to take a 36-33 lead at halftime.

Angola continued to control the game with their defense in the second half, and they extended their lead to as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter with 3:39 remaining in the game. Gilas Pilipinas made a late comeback attempt, but they could not get closer than 5 points but there was only 1:12 remaining in the game.

Gilas Pilipinas had a chance to clinch their first FIBA World Cup win in nearly a decade, but they were unable to overcome Angola’s strong defense. The game was expected to be a dream celebration for Gilas Pilipinas in front of a wild, sold-out crowd, but it turned into a nightmare.

Jordan Clarkson led Gilas Pilipinas with 21 points, 3 rebs and 7 assists, but he shot just 7-of-22 from the field and -14 in the plus/minus column. Kai Sotto added 8 points and 6 rebounds, and Dwight Ramos had 8 points.

On the Angola side, Gerson Goncalves led team with 17 points and 6 rebs, and Gerson Domingos added 15 points and 7 assists. Bruno Fernando, who had an emphatic dunk against Clarkson early in the game, added 14 points and 7 rebounds.

You can checkout the Statsheet of Gilas Pilipinas below;

This game was crucial for Gilas Pilipinas as they were looking to advance to the next round of the tournament. Unfortunately, they were unable to secure a win against Angola. Despite this setback, Gilas Pilipinas remained determined to bounce back in their next game against Italy.

This is Gilas Pilipinas’ final lineup for the Group A FIBA World Cup 2023

August 23, 2023

We are just days before the opening games of the Group A of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in the Philippine Arena, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has finalized their 12-man roster of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 12-man roster of Gilas Pilipinas is composed of five FIBA World Cup returnees and seven first-timers. NBA veteran Jordan Clarkson will lead the squad. World Cup returnees June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, and Roger Pogoy, they represented the country in the previous FIBA World Cup in China four years ago.

World Cup first-timers Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, Jamie Malonzo, and Rhenz Abando will complete the squad. The staff is compose of Head Coach Chot Reyes with assistant coaches Tim Cone, Jong Uichico, Josh Reyes.

Four players were cut from the team after a rigorous two-month training: Chris Newsome, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Thirdy Ravena and Calvin Oftana.

Gilas Pilipinas will face Dominican Republic, Angola and Italy on Aug. 25, 27 and 29 respectively. The top three teams in each group advanced to the second round. You can find the team groupings here.

Kai Sotto Cleared to Play for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA World Cup 2023

August 15, 2023

Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-3 center who is considered to be one of the Philippines’ best basketball prospects, has been cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023 in Manila.

Sotto had been sidelined with a back injury that he suffered during his stint in the NBA Summer League. He was initially ruled out of the World Cup, but he has since made a full recovery and has been practicing with Gilas Pilipinas to get back in playing shape.

“Our doctors spoke to his doctors and he’s been cleared to play. So that’s good news,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said during the special PSA Forum on Tuesday at the Meralco headquarters in Ortigas.

Sotto’s addition to the Gilas Pilipinas roster is a major boost for the team. He is a physical presence in the paint and he has a good shooting touch. He is also a good passer and rebounder.

Gilas Pilipinas is in Group A of the FIBA World Cup, along with Dominican Republic, Italy, and Angola. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place from August 25 to September 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

Sotto’s participation in the World Cup is a major step in his basketball career. He is hoping to help Gilas Pilipinas make a deep run in the tournament and he is also hoping to attract the attention of NBA scouts.

Sotto’s clearance to play is a major boost for Gilas Pilipinas’ chances of success in the World Cup. He is a talented player who has the potential to make a big impact on the team. With Sotto in the lineup, Gilas Pilipinas will be a more dangerous team.

Kai Sotto finally played in the 2023 NBA Summer League

July 15, 2023

After receiving a DNP in the first 3 games, Kai Sotto finally played his first game in the NBA Summer League against the Portland Trail Blazers.

In his first game in the NBA Summer League, 7’3″ Kai Sotto made the most of his 13 mins play time by scoring 6 pts, 4 rebs, 1 assists and 3 blocks.

Sotto entered the game at the start of the 2nd qtr, replacing Robert Baker. Even though he did not score, Sotto was active on the defense blocking a Shaedon Sharpe layup and a couple of defensive rebounds. Kai Sotto made his first-ever basket on a putback with less than a minute to go in the 3rd.

In the 4th, he made a 14-foot jumper an assist from Quinndary Weatherspoon and a 2-foot dunk from a Tyger Campbell assists. An assists to Quinndary Weatherspoon then blocked a 6-foot hook shot by Rayan Rupert. Orlando Magic ended the Summer League with a 0 – 4 standing. Orlando still have a consolation game on Sunday against the Boston Celtics and hopefully Kai Sotto will have a much better outing than this one.

Another DNP for Kai Sotto in a loss to the Indian Pacers (108 – 85)

July 11, 2023

It was another disappointment for Filipino fans who went to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning, Manila time, to see Kai Sotto in action. Instead, the 7-foot-3 Hiroshima Dragonflies center was benched once more in a loss to the Pacers.

The Orlando coaching staff once again gave priority to contracted players and draft picks though at the 2:22 mark in the 2nd qtr, fans can be heared chanting “We Want Sotto!” The game was decided in the middle of the second qtr, where the Pacers are enjoying a 17-pt lead.

Kai Sotto will have 2 more games for his NBA Summer League debut; July 12th facing the New York Knicks and on July 13th against the Portland Trail Blazers. Sotto was also a DNP in the first game against the Detroit Pistons.

Kai Sotto is a DNP in the Magic – Piston Game at the NBA Summer League

July 9, 2023

Filipino fans need to wait a bit longer for them to see Kai Sotto for his NBA Summer League debut, since he was a DNP “did not play – coach’s decision” in the Magic – Piston Game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sunday, Manila time.

Sotto is suiting up for the Orlando Magic but did not play against the Detroit Pistons, who fielded Ausar Thompson, a top 5 draft pick, with 2nd year Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey, as well as a former GSW Top 2 Pick James Wiseman.

Kai Sotto and the Orlando Magics have 3 more games for the NBA Summer League; on July 10th against the Indiana Pacers; July 12th facing the New York Knicks and on July 13th against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announces Gilas Pilipinas Men Pool for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

June 7, 2023

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) just announced the 21-man pool for the Gilas Pilipinas Mens basketball for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. The pool is a mix of old and new, as well as PBA and international players.

Below is complete list of Gilas Pilipinas Men pool for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023:

  • Rhenz Abando
  • Japeth Aguilar
  • Justin Brownlee
  • Jordan Clarkson
  • AJ Edu
  • Poy Erram
  • Jordan Heading
  • June Mar Fajardo
  • Ange Kouame
  • Jamie Malonzo
  • Chris Newsome
  • Calvin Oftana
  • Bobby Ray Parks Jr.
  • CJ Perez
  • Roger Ray Pogoy
  • Dwight Ramos
  • Kiefer Ravena
  • Thirdy Ravena
  • Kai Sotto
  • Carl Tamayo
  • Scottie Thompson

The team will be lead by Gilas Headcoach Chot Reyes. FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be held in 3 locations; Philippines, Indonesia and Japan. Gilas Pilipinas is part of Group A that includes Angola, Dominican Republic and Italy, their games will be in the Philippines at the Smart Araneta this 25th of August.

Gilas defeats Saudi Arabia to close the Window 5 of 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier (63 – 76)

November 13, 2022

Gilas Pilipinas will remain undefeated as they beat Saudi Arabia in the Window 5 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier 2023. The game was held at the King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, even though it’s the home court of Saudi Arabian team, the crowd was predominantly composed of OFW, which felt more like a home for the Filipino cagers.

It a close game at the start, where both teams came out firing in all cylinders, it was a tie game (16-16) by the end of the first quarter. Gilas Pilipinas started to pickup steam in the 2nd quarter, where they scored a game high of 25 points, and ended the first half holding on to a 6 point lead.

It’s in the 3rd qtr when the Gilas started to separate themselves with the help of Roger Pogoy who contributed 13 pts on a 5 to 12 shooting. But it was Kai Sotto to made the most contribution chipping in 11 points, a game high 9 rebounds and 5 blocks, with 2 assists, 1 steal on a 23 player efficiency (EFF).

In the 4th quarters, the Saudi tried to make one last push but with the leadership and timely hustle plays of Scottie Thompsons with 9 pts, 3 assists, 9 rebs and 2 steals on a 18 eff, Gilas made sure that it will a night to remember for all the OFW in the arena.

Saudi Arabia vs 🇵🇭 Philippines | Basketball Highlights

Here are the scores;

By Quarters: 16-16, 31-25, 55-45, 76-63.

Philippines 76 – D. Ramos 13, R. Pogoy 13, K. Sotto 11, C. Perez 10, S. Thompson 9, B. Parks 8, J. Aguilar 6, A. Kouame 5, J. Malonzo 1, C. Oftana 0, P. Erram 0, K. Quiambao 0.

Saudi Arabia 63 – Ma. Almarwani 19, Abdel Gabar 16, Mo. Almarwani 8, M. Kadi 6, H. Aljohar 5, A. Ashoor 4, Ali Shubayli 2, T. Mohammed 2, F. Belal 1, M. Saleh 0, A. Almuwallad 0, O. Albargawi 0.

Image: FIBA

Kai Sotto signs with new G League team

May 14, 2020

It’s official, Kai Sotto signs with new G League team. He will join fellow high school recruits Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix on the new team, the team new will not connected to any NBA club or any existing G League franchise.

In a report by Spin Philippines, Kai Sotto and fellow recruits will receive $125,000 salary for the five-month season, as well as “year-long opportunities for on and off-the-court professional development.”

Kai Sotto also made the announcement on his official @kzsottolive twitter account.

More than the monetary compensation, being in the new G League team will give Kai Sotto the training and exposure that will ultimately make him the first Filipino born NBA Player.

Source: ESPN, NBA
Image: @kzsottolive

Kai Sotto to skip college and will join NBA’s G League

May 11, 2020
Kai Sotto to skip college and will join NBA’s G League

Filipino basketball phenom Kai Sotto, will be skipping college and join the the G League, NBA’s official minor league basketball organization. He will join other NBA Prospect such as Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd & Daishen Nix to go the G League route in order to make it to NBA.

Kai Sotto, who’s celebrating his birthday today, Monday, May 11 – will be the first international prospect to sign with the G League professional pathway program, as reported by Shams Charania from The Athletic.

Batang Gilas bounced back on a 42-points win against Hong Kong

April 5, 2018

After absorbing a 31-pts loss in the hands of the Australians, Batang Gilas bounce back and defeated Hong Kong in the quarter finals of Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship, in Foshan, China.

The game was actually decided in the first half, where Batang Gilas are enjoying a 25-points lead. You can watch the reply from the video above.

King Balaga lead Batang Gilas is scoring by contributing 12 points, while Kai Sotto grabbed 12 rebounds, 9 of those rebounds are on the defensive end, this is in addition to his 11-points. Rence Keith Sean Padrigao dished 6 assists to help the team.

Batang Gilas next assignment will be Japan this Friday.

From Spin.ph;

The scores:

Philippines 103 – Balaga 12, Calimag 12, Padrigao 11, Sotto 11, Chiu 11, Guadana 10, Bautista 6, Go 6, Lazaro 5, Cortez 3.

Hong Kong 61 – Lung T.K. 18, Cheung M.T. 12, Lam M.K.A. 7, Leung P.T. 6, Siu W.Y. 6, Kwok H. 4, Lo K.H. 4, Siu K.W. 2, Chan T.H. 2, Lee C.K. 0, Chan P.L. 0, Chiu T.H. 0

Quarterscores: 31-18; 59-36; 86-52; 103-61.

Philippines’ Batang Gilas absorbs a 30-points loss from the Australians in Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship

April 4, 2018
Philippines’ Batang Gilas absorbs a 30-points loss from the Australians in Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship

Reuben Terrado, reporting for Spin.Ph;

THE Philippines could not sustain an early run, absorbing a 52-82 loss to Australia on Wednesday in the Fiba Under-16 Asian Championship in Foshan, China.

I was not able to watch their first game against the Malaysian but this game was a indication that Kai Sotto has a lot of work to do. If he is aiming to be an NBA player or at least be recruited by top US universities, then this is the best place to show what he can do.

The scores:

Australia 82 – Rantall 15, Williamson 14, Travers 11, Capetola 9, Herbert 8, Wigness 8, Sawaka Lo 7, Jackson 6, Meakes 2, Madden 2, Tsapatolis 0.

Philippines 52 – Guadana 11, Calimag 10, Sotto 9, Andrada 8, Padrigao 5, Fortea 4, Lazaro 2, Cortez 2, Chiu 1, Go 0, Balaga 0, Bautista 0.

Quarterscores: 18-13; 38-25; 73-40; 82-52.

Here’s the replay of the game.