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Kai Sotto is hugged by teammate June Mar Fajardo after Gilas Pilipinas’ win over Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–As June Mar Fajardo walks away from Gilas Pilipinas, he knows he’s leaving the national team in good hands.
“I told you guys that Kuya Kai will save us this window,” Fajardo said after the Philippines scraped past Iran, 68-56, in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday night.
READ: June Mar Fajardo sparks Gilas Pilipinas win in his ‘last game’
Kai Sotto (13 PTS, 16 REB, 3 AST) and the Philippines 🇵🇭 shrug off a slow start against Iran to sweep Window 4 and improve to 4-4 in the Asian Qualifiers 📺#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/jmNYXS82vu
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026
“Let’s just pray that he’s always healthy because he will bring us to glory.”
Fajardo was, of course, referring to Kai Sotto, who spearheaded Gilas’ undefeated campaign in the fourth window of the qualifiers despite the absence of naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
The 24-year-old Sotto recorded 18 points, 14 rebounds and one game-saving block in an 82-81 overtime win over Jordan on Friday before following that up with 13 points, 16 rebounds and three assists against the Iranians. The pair of crucial games marked Sotto’s national team return since November 2024, less than two months before he suffered a torn left ACL during a B.League game.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas dedicates win over Iran to retiring June Mar Fajardo
Behind a fully healthy Sotto, the Philippines rose to 4-4 in Group E and strengthened its bid for a spot in next year’s World Cup in Doha, Qatar.
Sotto said giving his retiring hero a winning exit after a decorated 13-year national team career was a big motivation.
“I’m so lucky and blessed. When I was a kid, I looked up to him—he’s my idol,” said Sotto. “I’m so blessed to be part of his journey in the national team. I just really wanted to win these two games for Kuya June.”
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