Kai Sotto made Gilas Pilipinas’ home sweep possible, says Cone

Kai Sotto looks on during Gilas Pilipinas’ game vs Iran in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Coach Tim Cone expressed gratitude to Kai Sotto for being the difference-maker in Gilas Pilipinas’ home sweep of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Cone could only marvel at the way Sotto played a massive role in defeating Jordan and Iran before packed crowds at the Mall of Asia Arena, narrowing the gap in the Group E standings.

“Without him joining us, I don’t think we’d get these two games. I don’t think we’d even get close. And he’s the one that takes us over the top,” Cone said after Gilas defeated Iran, 68-56.

Sotto averaged 15.5 points and 15.0 rebounds during the window that also saw his national team return after he last saw action in November 2024 at the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.

READ: Kai Sotto delivers big in rousing return for Gilas Pilipinas

His presence on both ends enabled Gilas to pull off the two wins that was doubly sweet with Gilas having to play all-Filipino due to the absence of Justin Brownlee.

“He’s the one that makes everybody better on both sides of the floor, defensively, offensively. And we’re just tickled pink that he’s chosen to join us this time,” Cone said in the postgame press conference where he was joined by Sotto at the podium.

“It was an amazing thing, and especially without Justin. You know, we had our import in this guy. This guy was our import. So, he certainly played like an import,” added Cone.

The 7-foot-1 had 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks against Jordan, shaking off early jitters to help Gilas pull off a narrow 82-81 overtime victory on Friday.

Against Jordan, Sotto posted 13 points and 16 rebounds, capping off with a slam during Gilas’ decisive pullaway in the final minutes.

“Thank you, Kai, for coming and doing the work you did,” Cone told Sotto.