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Kai Sotto said he gets an extra shot of energy and motivation whenever he plays for Gilas Pilipinas at home.
True is the same for the 7-foot-3 cager in the upcoming FIBA World Cup where he is expected to help anchor the paint for the home team Gilas Pilipinas.
“Home is home, and every time I play here in the country, I'm very happy. There's no pressure, I just enjoy it. It's just good to be home,” said Sotto in a media availability during a Puma event on Saturday at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.
“[It's] extra energy, extra motivation for me to push myself knowing that there's always a lot of people watching me and supporting me.”
The last time Sotto played for Gilas at home turf was back in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Saudi Arabia last year.
Showered with the cheers of the Filipino crowd, Sotto logged 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the Philippines' 84-46 drubbing of Saudi Arabia.
“Of course, it's a blessing to play at home but it's also a challenge that I have to do whatever it takes to do my best and make them [home fans] proud,” said Sotto.
In a closed-door tune-up game against Ivory Coast last Friday, Sotto put up 10 points, four rebounds and two assists as Gilas notched a 85-62 win.
Sotto and the rest of the Philippine national basketball team open their World Cup campaign against the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Domican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena.
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Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
