Batang Gilas finished fourth in the recently-concluded FIBA U16 Asia Championship and booked a ticket to the U17 World Cup in Argentina later this year. One of the reasons for their successful campaign was the stellar play of Kai Sotto.
The 15-year-old Sotto was selected to the Mythical First Team, along with China's Sun Haoqin and Luke Jackson, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and Tamuri Wigness of Australia.
Meanwhile, Aizimaiti Aizimaiti (China), Matin Aghajanpour (Iran), Luke Travers (Australia), Mitchell Dance (New Zealand) and Tom Cowie (New Zealand) make up the Mythical Second Team.
Sotto was the most efficient player of the competition with a rating of 21.5, after averaging 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. He put his skill and talent on display, leading the Philippine team past Japan with 28 points, 21 rebounds, and three block -- a crucial win which gave Batang Gilas the World Cup berth.
Against a taller Chinese squad, the 7-1 Sotto held his own and almost single-handedly put Batang Gilas on his back with 26 points, 21 rebounds, and six blocks.
Sotto will next see action as part of the Gilas "23 for 2023" pool which will participate in the upcoming FilOil preseason tournament.