Jordan Clarkson thrilled over Kai Sotto’s heroics in Gilas’ win

Kai Sotto celebrates after his game-sealing block against Jordan’s Abdullah Olajuwon in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Jordan Clarkson was overjoyed with Kai Sotto’s role in Gilas Pilipinas’ thrilling 82-81 overtime victory over Jordan on Friday in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The NBA champion for the New York Knicks took to social media after Sotto’s block on Abdullah Olajuwon sealed the win before a big crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.

“KAI SOTTO!!!!!” Clarkson said on X, the app formerly known as Twitter.

READ: Kai Sotto makes most of Gilas return with big game vs Jordan

Yep, JC. We're all fans.#FIBAWC https://t.co/dNF17T9GOX pic.twitter.com/IDzxvUqBGN

— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) August 28, 2026

Clarkson later shared an Instagram post from Fiba of an artcard showing Sotto, once again praising him for his performance in the result that revived Gilas’ flickering World Cup hopes.

“@kzsotto (Sotto’s Instagram handle) cook up! my guy!” said Clarkson.

Clarkson has known Sotto since they were teammates during the 2023 Fiba World Cup held here at home.

He served as Gilas’ naturalized player during a rough campaign that was salvaged when Clarkson put up a shooting display in the victory over China at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

For Sotto, it was his first game back for Gilas since November 2024 at the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.

The 7-foot-1 center shrugged off a sluggish start and posted 18 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, the last one saving the day for the Philippines.