Kai Sotto is one of the few Batang Gilas placers which impressed coach Chot Reyes. PBA IMAGES
With Monday as its rest day, Gilas Pilipinas still came out and supported Batang Gilas when it played Indonesia in the 2017 Seaba Under-16 Championship.
“We are just here to support the younger generation. We are very supportive of them and we are looking forward to them taking our place in the future,” said national team coach Chot Reyes.
The veteran mentor shared he was thoroughly impressed with how the youth team fared in their 96-73 win over the Indonesians for their second win in the tournament, with a few players standing out.
“I like the guards like (Rence) Padrigao and (Terrence) Fortea. Mclaude Guadaña also reminds me of Ryan Reyes because he’s always there where the ball is. Obviously, Kai Sotto because I’m impressed with how coordinated he is for his size and age,” Reyes praised.
Guadaña racked up a triple-double with 19 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Indonesia game, while Padrigao and Fortea also impressed with the two combining for 12 markers and 14 assists in the victory.
The towering Sotto is averaging 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks off the bench in the squad’s first two games.
Liking what he’s seeing, Reyes is hoping for the best as he envisions the young players to make senior’s team someday.
“Hopefully, this group can stay together for a long period,” he said. “That’s been the problem of Philippine sports. Even today, not only basketball but also volleyball. There are good players but they can’t play for different reasons. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen this time. If they stay together, they have a bright future but if not, this potential is going to go to waste.”