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Manila Bulletin devider devider Brighter days ahead for PH basketball

Brighter days ahead for PH basketball

Published Apr 7, 2018 12:00 am
By Jerome Lagunzad The country's future in basketball looks very bright and Batang Gilas continues to give ample reasons why. Towering center Kai Sotto continues to live up to his lofty billing as the future star in the Asian level while veterans RC Calimag, Terrence Fortea, Mac Guadaña and backup big man Raven Cortez have been providing solid numbers in the Nationals' impressive run in the FIBA Asia Under-16 championships so far. The 7-foot-1 Sotto, still scratching the surface of his full potential at 15 years old, stood tallest – literally and figuratively – among the rest as he helped Batang Gilas overcome Japan, 72-70, in an epic quarterfinal duel last Friday to book a precious ticket to this year's FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Argentina. The Ateneo prodigy proved to be the biggest stumbling block for the Japanese in the lane with game-highs of 28 points and 21 rebounds plus three blocks and as many assists in what turned out to be the most dominant performance yet in the tourney. “Kai Sotto is the real deal,” National University coach Jamike Jarin, who once called the shots for Batang Gilas, told Tempo-Bulletin in a text message yesterday. “He’s the future of Philippine basketball. He's just improving everyday and his basketball IQ is so advanced.” But Batang Gilas isn't all about Sotto alone. Gutsy wingman RC Calimag spared the Nationals’ blushes as he muscled his way through for the go-ahead lay-up with 2.3 seconds that enabled them to avert a monumental collapse against the erstwhile streaking Japanese. Back-up big man Raven Cortez, a 6-foot-8 center from La Salle-Zobel, has embraced his role behind Sotto with gusto, pumping in four of his eight points in the fourth period, while Terrence Fortea and Forthsky Padrigao have been providing the stability despite struggling to get their shots going on a consistent basis. Not only did the thrilling victory set up the stage for a semifinals showdown with long-time rival China, but Batang Gilas also punched a return ticket to the world stage since it first qualified in the 2014 edition held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates under the tutelage of Jarin. “I’m very proud of their accomplishment,” added Jarin. “But a lot of credit should also be given to Coach Mike (Oliver) and his coaching staff.” Aside from vying for the bragging rights as the newest Asian champion, Batang Gilas is also determined to come up with the best finish possible since it will play a key factor in determining the group that it will join in the 16-team world championships. The eventual Asian champion will be in Group A with Puerto Rico, Turkey and Dominican Republic while the Asian runner-up will be in Group B alongside four-time tourney champion USA, Serbia and African champion Mali. The third finisher in Asia will be in Group C alongside Canada, Egypt and Montenegro while the fourth placer in Asia will be pooled in Group D together with Croatia, European titlist France and host Argentina. The fifth edition of the world championships will be held from June 30 to July 8 in Rosario and Sante Fe in Argentina.
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