KAI Sotto’s return to Gilas Pilipinas has become even more important with naturalized player Justin Brownlee unavailable for the crucial FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers window, national team guard Dwight Ramos said.
In an interview with Abante Bilyonaryo Group’s Homer Sayson, Ramos highlighted Sotto’s ability to contribute in several areas, particularly as a passer, rebounder and defender around the paint.
“Kai is important because he completes the triangle, he is easy to pass to and he is good at passing from the post areas and of course his rebounding and paint protection,” Ramos said.
Sotto, who missed Gilas’ previous FIBA window, is back with the national team for its second-round campaign and will provide much-needed size to the Philippines’ frontcourt.
His return comes at a critical time for Gilas, which will enter the window without Brownlee due to health issues.
With Brownlee out, Sotto is expected to take on a bigger role alongside June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu as Gilas seeks to strengthen its interior presence against two formidable Middle Eastern opponents.
Ramos also believes the triangle offense could make the Philippines more difficult to defend by preventing opponents from concentrating on a single player.
“With the triangle it’s a little bit harder to focus on just one player but I think we will have better ball movement this time around and it should be easier for us to score,” Ramos said.
The Philippines will face Jordan on Friday before taking on Iran on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with both games carrying major implications for its World Cup qualification hopes. (Adrian Co)
