By MARK REY MONTEJO
Kai Sotto is not only 7-foot-3 tall, he also possesses a calm demeanor.
Despite another disappointing defeat of Gilas Pilipinas – losing to Angola, 80-70, in the FIBA World on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum – Sotto remained cool and firmly focused like a grizzled veteran.
Sotto was one of the main guys that fueled the Nationals’ rally in the waning minutes, cutting the lead to just five after draining a couple of free throws.
Again, to the horror of everybody, a bomb was detonated in front of them and that (triple) ended Gilas’s bid for a great Houdini act.
“Marami pa rin ang pagkukulang. Maraming pwedeng i-improve kasi syempre wala namang perfect game kahit manalo ka,” Sotto stressed.
“I’m proud of the effort from everybody sa team, kung anuman natutunan namin from this game, ia-add namin [iyon] against Italy,” he added.
Sotto still finished with eight points and six rebounds despite getting into early foul trouble.
Roger Pogoy, however, did not hide his disappointment and even blamed the team’s lethargic performance midway in the fourth frame that allowed the Angolans to control the tempo of the game, what with their great defensive effort.
“Nakuha naman, sayang lang kinapos tayo,” Pogoy said as he added eight points for the Philippines.
