Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson during Gilas Pilipinas’ win vs New Zealand in the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee expectedly played big for Gilas Pilipinas in their win over New Zealand in the second window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
But instead of basking in the glory of another Brownlee classic, the longtime Ginebra import chose to talk about someone else.
In Gilas’ 93-89 win over the Tall Blacks at Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, Kai Sotto wowed the home crowd with an all-around game that impressed even Brownlee.
READ: Kai Sotto puts on impressive showing to defend Gilas home court
After seeing his progression up close, Brownlee became a believer of Sotto and said he can now hang with the big boys in the big league.
“I’ve been saying that I feel like he’s good enough to play in the NBA, in my opinion,” said a beaming Brownlee after playing for 37 minutes in the dub.
“Of course, he has the height, size and skill but he’s been improving so much and for me, it’s just great to see a player like him with so much potential.”
Sotto flexed his muscles against New Zealand as he registered a near triple-double with his qualifier-best 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists plus two steals and two blocks to match.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats New Zealand for first time in Fiba
Sotto continued his upward trajectory after he posted a double-double in Gilas’ last game against Chinese Taipei with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Outside of the numbers, Sotto also helps with the intangibles, including making the game easier for his fellow Gilas swingmen.
Just ask Brownlee, who felt the game come easier to him after playing with Sotto on the hardwood.
“He does a lot of things really well, shooting, a great skill-set, passing and he can do everything on the court. He’s 7’4 and can do everything,” Brownlee said.
“It’s fun playing with him and he definitely makes the game a lot easier for everybody.”
Brownlee finished with a double-double himself with 26 points and 11 rebounds plus two steals and two blocks on the defensive end.
The twin towers of Brownlee and Sotto look to power Gilas one more time in the second window of the qualifiers when they face Hong Kong at the same venue.