Even New Zealand head coach Judd Flavell took notice of the difference between a Gilas Pilipinas team with 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto and one without him.

The Tall Blacks mentor admitted that the outcome could have been entirely different on Thursday, Feb. 26, should Gilas had Sotto on its lineup in its tight 69-66 victory.

“We know Kai Sotto is a big part of the puzzle for the Philippines, and I was here back in November 2024 when he played,” said Flavell recalling Gilas’ 93-89 victory in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers more than a year ago.

Sotto, in that contest, had 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in a victory that, to this day, remains as Gilas' only win over the Tall Blacks. Since then, New Zealand has won three straight against the Nationals.

Flavell pointed out that the Tall Blacks actually had a hard time against Gilas’ bigs in the contest and he could only imagine how tough the situation would be for New Zealand if the hosts had Sotto in tow.

“Tonight, the rebounding, and I think this is a big strength of the Philippines, it's just the rebounding that they present, and I remember Kai Sotto, like he's a handful on the rebounds, and not just him, Fajardo, Edu and tonight Milora Brown,” Flavell said of Gilas.

“They've got some quality bigs, so they're a handful collectively. We've got 15 offensive rebounds, and I think we pride ourselves on rebounding, and I know they do as well, so it's a real arm wrestle out there,” he added.

Sotto, however, provides an entirely different dynamic to Gilas stressed Flavell.

“He's very mobile, and you know, obviously being over 7 feet, he's going to be giving them another dynamic to play, so he does absolutely help,” he said.

“Next time, we're going to see the Philippines in July, so we know that it's going to be another big challenge.”