THERE'S no question in anyone's mind how big of a difference-maker Kai Sotto is for Gilas Pilipinas Youth in this 2019 Fiba Under-19 World Cup campaign.
"Makikita naman natin sa katawan niya, sobrang laki ng improvement ng skills niya," shared Terrence Fortea. "Yung talent niya, nandoon naman at mas puliduhin lang niya, pero may tiwala kami kay Kai."
But as big of a responsibility is vested on the shoulders of Sotto, as well as fellow bigs AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Geo Chiu, the same challenge is also placed on the guards.
"Hindi naman kami nagre-rely lang sa matatangkad namin," argued Gerry Abadiano. "Kung ano yung role namin sa backcourt, gagawin pa rin namin, pero once ma-beat kami ng mga kalaban namin, nandyan sila Kai, AJ, at Carl para protektahan yung rim."
Winners in every tournament they joined in the country, Fortea and Abadiano gets another chance of showcasing their mettle in the international stage, this time in Heraklion, Greece.
The Nazareth School of National University duo last represented the Philippines together in the 2018 Fiba Under-17 World Cup in Argentina. Abadiano averaged 12.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, as Fortea netted 7.0 points on a 39-percent shooting from threes, on top of 3.1 dimes and 1.6 boards.
It was only Abadiano who made the cut in the 2018 Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship in Thailand, collecting 3.7 points, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 rebounds.
With another chance opening this time out, the fierce Bullpups guard combo vowed to do their best as the Philippines faces an uphill climb in the global youth hoops showpiece.
"Ine-expect namin na mas malalaki at mas mabibilis ang kalaban, pero gawin lang namin ang role namin at ibigay lang namin yung best namin every time," said Abadiano.
Fortea added: "Mas matured na kami ngayon. Hindi basta-basta ito, kaya nagpe-prepare kami ng maayos. Kung ano ang ibibigay na responsiility ni coach, gagawin ko lang. All-heart lang talaga."
Also in coach Sandy Arespacochaga's backcourt pool are Rome-based playmaker Dalph Panopio, as well as UP's James Spencer, FEU-Diliman's Xyrus Torres, and NU's Migs Oczon.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
