Young big man Kai Sotto admitted that his limited minutes on the court during Gilas Pilipinas’ 87-81 loss to the Dominican Republic last Friday, August 25, fueled him to prove himself more to the coaches.

During the one-day break, the 7-foot-3 center made sure to work things out in his game to earn his minutes, and that proved effective as he was fielded in every quarter against Angola.

However, the Philippines fell to Angola, 80-70.

“Binigyan ko ng pagka-alangan ‘yung mga coaches kaya siguro ‘di nila ako magamit [sa last game]. So simula no’n inisip ko na talaga kung ano ‘yung mga kailangan kong gawin at ipakita, para sa next game magamit na ako,” Sotto said.

“I think this Angola team is really good and I think mas match ako sa mga match-ups ‘pag sa big guys ng Angola,” he added.

Against the Dominicans, Sotto came off the bench and was inserted into the game in the first half, but after picking up two quick fouls, the 21-year-old bruiser was subbed out and never returned to the court since then to finish scoreless.

Head coach Chot Reyes even explained that decision, saying other big men, AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo, were just doing great on the floor.

Sotto, hungry to help Gilas earn a victory, logged 19 minutes and 33 seconds in the loss to Angola and churned out eight points, six rebounds and one assist.

The big man said he would only keep getting better after the game.

“I mean, marami pa ring pagkukulang. Marami pa rin pwedeng i-improve kasi, siyempre, wala namang perfect game kahit manalo ka,” Sotto said.

“Papanoorin ko ulit ‘yung game namin and I think I’m just proud of the effort from every body sa team. Kung anuman natutunan namin from this game, ia-add namin against Italy,” he added.

With two losses already, Gilas Pilipinas still has a chance to salvage its campaign against Italy on Tuesday, August 29. (GMA Integrated News)