Tim Cone hails Kai Sotto's point guard-like instincts in Gilas Pilipinas OT win vs. Jordan

At 7-foot-3, Kai Sotto already has the size to stand out, but it’s the Filipino big man’s guard-like instincts and IQ that truly set him apart.

With those qualities, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone believes Sotto has a way of making everyone around him better.

"The thing about Kai is yes, he's seven-foot three, but his knowledge of the game and instincts for the game is like a point guard," Cone said on the heels of Gilas' 82-81 overtime win against visiting Jordan on Friday.

"Because he's really that smart and that intelligent, that makes him make the people around him better. Everybody's better when he's on the floor."

Sotto took some time before making his impact felt against Jordan, as the Philippines found itself trailing by as many as 18 points early in their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 4 clash at the Mall of Asia Arena.

However, the 24-year-old managed to adjust and poured in seven points and five rebounds in the first half to help the Filipinos cut the deficit to just five heading to the dugout.

His biggest highlight, however, did not come from a basket but a crucial rejection of Abdullah Olajuwon’s floater that sealed Gilas’ one-point victory, improving their standing to 3-4 in Group E.

Sotto, who is seeing action for Gilas for the first time since November 2024 after an ACL injury, finished with a double-double effort of 18 points and 14 rebounds, laced with three assists, two blocks, and a steal.

But it wasn't just a one-man show for Sotto, with CJ Perez sparking the comeback with 16 markers, five rebounds, and the one assist that led to a Kevin Quiambao triple in the final 13 seconds of overtime.

Quiambao finished with 14 points and five boards, while AJ Edu flirted with a double-double of nine points and 11 rebounds.

"Whether it can be through passing or screening or rolling, the attention he grabs, he just makes everybody around him better," Cone added.

"And what was really big tonight was his defense patrolling against Al Dwairi, who was a really top-class center, and also patrolling the paint not allowing, especially the second half, Harris and Ibrahim, to get to the rim on us."

—JKC, GMA News