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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kai Sotto relishes reunion with Batang Gilas teammates at seniors level

Kai Sotto relishes reunion with Batang Gilas teammates at seniors level

Published Feb 26, 2024 08:34 am

At A Glance

  • From Batang Gilas, Kai Sotto, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo and AJ Edu have all found themselves stacked in the men's national basketball team. 

From Batang Gilas, Kai Sotto, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo and AJ Edu have all found themselves stacked in the men’s national basketball team. 

 

The all-big quartet, who had suited up for the Gilas Youth division at one point or another, have been called up to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) program for the long haul, and chemistry has never been an issue at all.

 

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Kai Sotto. (FIBA)

 

With renewed commitment, Sotto is pleased to see his growth alongside the three younger bigs all looking forward to their next campaign — as they now become the pillars of Philippine basketball. 

 

“I feel like we’ve already shared good bond ever since we were younger. It really helps us when we get to the court. Sa tagalog, parang wala na ‘yung kapaan kasi alam mo ‘yun? May trust na sa isa’t isa. And Carl, AJ, KQ, sabay sabay kami [getting better] from Batang Gilas to now. I’m very happy na tuluy tuloy,“ Sotto said. 

 

“I’m just happy for everybody na nag-contribute from the start until now and [am] looking forward sa mga future [opportunities] namin [together].”

 

The 21-year-old center enjoyed every moment in the Nationals’ back-to-back campaigns in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and wished the time wasn’t limited. 

 

With Edu missing out this window due to a knee injury, Quiambao and Tamayo have both been equally reliable off the bench in the team’s rotation. 

 

Sotto, who flew back to Japan the following day after Gilas Pilipinas’ 106-53 drubbing of visiting Chinese Taipei, is looking to pick up where he left off with his club team Yokohama B. Corsairs. 

 

Meanwhile, Edu, who also sees action in the Japanese league with Toyama Grouses, continues his recovery and eyes a healthier comeback in time for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament five months from now. 

 

Tamayo, a champion with Ryukyu Golden Kings in the past year in only his pro debut, is seeking to get back on track after deciding to part ways with the squad just last month. 

 

And while the rest of his counterparts have all suited up in the pro ranks, Quiambao, who capped his historic sophomore collegiate season with a brilliant championship trophy that deservingly went with a UAAP MVP award, is yet to make his final decision on his next career move after receiving potential offers overseas. 

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