Kai Sotto delivers big in rousing return to Gilas Pilipinas

Kai Sotto blocks Abdullah Olajuwon during a game between Gilas Pilipinas and Jordan in the Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto made sure his long-awaited return to the Gilas Pilipinas fold was worth the wait.

After almost two years away from national team duties, Sotto made his rousing return for the Philippines in its 82-81 overtime win over Jordan in the second round of the Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.

He played a key role in overtime for Gilas, including an emphatic block on Abdullah Olajuwon’s attempt to snatch the game away from the Philippines.

READ: Kai Sotto ‘fully healthy’ ahead of long-awaited Gilas return

But Sotto, who hadn’t donned the Gilas jersey since 2024, admitted he felt the pressure of delivering in his first game back.

“Before the game, I was thinking a lot,” he revealed in Filipino.

“The excitement and thought of not having played for the national team all mixed together. I know I’m bringing a lot of pressure but I’m really happy that I showed up and translated that I’ve been wanting to play for the national team for quite some time now.”

WELCOME BACK, KAIJU

Kai Sotto leads Gilas’ OT win over Jordan with a monster double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. | @MeloFuertesINQ

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The Koshigaya Alphas import shut out the mental noise when it mattered most.

Sotto played like he never left with a monster double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds to push Gilas to a 3-4 record in Group E, good for 10 points.

Aside from his victorious comeback and the rowdy reception from the hometown crowd, the Ateneo product said he was simply glad to contribute to the team again.

“I’m so happy that I’m one of the guys who contributed. We had a slow start but we chased them down possession by possession,” he said after Gilas Pilipinas needed to rally from 18 points. “I’m so proud of my team tonight.”