Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson throughout Gilas Pilipinas’ win vs New Zealand within the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee expectedly performed large for Gilas Pilipinas of their win over New Zealand within the second window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
However as a substitute of basking within the glory of one other Brownlee basic, the longtime Ginebra import selected to speak about another person.
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In Gilas’ 93-89 win over the Tall Blacks at Mall of Asia Area on Thursday, Kai Sotto wowed the house crowd with an all-around sport that impressed even Brownlee.
READ: Kai Sotto places on spectacular displaying to defend Gilas house courtroom
After seeing his development up shut, Brownlee grew to become a believer of Sotto and mentioned he can now cling with the massive boys within the large league.
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“I’ve been saying that I really feel like he’s adequate to play within the NBA, for my part,” mentioned a beaming Brownlee after taking part in for 37 minutes within the dub.
“After all, he has the peak, dimension and talent however he’s been bettering a lot and for me, it’s simply nice to see a participant like him with a lot potential.”
Sotto flexed his muscular tissues towards New Zealand as he registered a close to triple-double together with his qualifier-best 19 factors, 10 rebounds and 7 assists plus two steals and two blocks to match.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats New Zealand for first time in Fiba
Sotto continued his upward trajectory after he posted a double-double in Gilas’ final sport towards Chinese language Taipei with 18 factors and 10 rebounds.
Exterior of the numbers, Sotto additionally helps with the intangibles, together with making the sport simpler for his fellow Gilas swingmen.
Simply ask Brownlee, who felt the sport come simpler to him after taking part in with Sotto on the hardwood.
“He does a number of issues very well, taking pictures, an incredible skill-set, passing and he can do every little thing on the courtroom. He’s 7’4 and may do every little thing,” Brownlee mentioned.
“It’s enjoyable taking part in with him and he undoubtedly makes the sport loads simpler for everyone.”
Brownlee completed with a double-double himself with 26 factors and 11 rebounds plus two steals and two blocks on the defensive finish.
The dual towers of Brownlee and Sotto look to energy Gilas another time within the second window of the qualifiers once they face Hong Kong on the identical venue.
