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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kai Sotto to dominate Asia, says Tim Cone

Kai Sotto to dominate Asia, says Tim Cone

Published Feb 26, 2024 05:31 am

At A Glance

  • Sotto was visibly where Gilas head coach Tim Cone wanted him to be as he posted double-double performances in both games. 

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone couldn’t help but laud Kai Sotto's performance in Gilas Pilipinas’ twin victories in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers this week.

 

 

IMG_4244.jpeg
Gilas center Kai Sotto. (FIBA)

 

The lanky, 7-foot-3 center exuded confidence in the team’s triumphs over Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, posting double-double performances that earned approval from Cone.

“Right now, if I may say, he is going to absolutely dominate Asia. I’ve always felt that," Cone said of Sotto. 

“If you get him to the right spots, he can absolutely dominate Asia,” he added.

In the Philippines’ 94-64 away win against Hong Kong, Sotto delivered 13 points on top of 12 rebounds. He followed it up a few days later with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the Nationals’ 106-53 drubbing of the visiting Chinese Taipei. 

Sotto said confidence became key to his performances.

“I think confidence comes from preparation and I think we prepared really well. When we got to Inspire, we went to training camp. We trained twice a day, it was tough, it was tiring, but we learned so much. So as coach said, it showed today (Sunday),” Sotto said. 

“If you’re asking about confidence, it’s just confidence that we all worked together, we all got better together. And I got my brothers behind me to lift me up,  and I’m gonna do the same thing to them. It’s just contagious, it’s a good team environment. And I’m happy with the result,” he added.

Cone, who had been around NBA environment back when he became part of the Miami Heat coaching staff in the Summer League, won't b surprised if Sotto finally made it to the NBA.

“There may be a time where we might lose Kai. He may not be able to join windows because he might be in the NBA and we will be very, very proud of that," said the veteran mentor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

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FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers kai sotto Tim Cone
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