No cruising for Kai, Carl

Towering Kai Sotto and Carl Tamayo get their baptism of fire when Batang Gilas competes in the FIBA U17 World Cup in Argentina.

The 7-foot-1 Sotto and 6-foot-7 Tamayo were given the tall order to carry the country’s flag for the national youth squad that will clash with European champion France, host Argentina and Croatia in a tough Pool D of this world joust set from June 30 to July 8 in Rosario, Argentina.

Although they are the youngest and only high school players in the 23 for 2023 FIBA World Cup pool, Sotto and Tamayo are the most experienced in the Batang Gilas squad that is looking to pull the rug from under their foes.

“The Gilas cadet program is a good experience for us because it gave us the chance to play with older players,” said the 15-year old Sotto, who played with Gilas Cadets in the Filoil Flying V Pre-season Premier Cup.

“Playing with Gilas Cadets is a higher level. It gave us more confidence. That’s what we need to bring now that we’re playing with players with the same age as ours.”

Tamayo agreed, saying that playing next to college stars Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, CJ Perez and Robert Bolick prepared them for the tough grind in the world meet.

“Playing with them means a lot,” said the National University stalwart.

“We learned to be patient inside the court while dealing with the X’s and O’s and system of sharing the ball. I hope we could carry all those lessons to the World Cup.”

The Philippines punched a ticket to the world battle after wounding up fourth in the FIBA Asia U16 Championship last year in Foshan, China, with Sotto emerging as the tournament’s best center.

And with Tamayo on board, sky is the limit for the young cagers as they form an intimidating duo at the frontcourt.

“We’re facing future NBA players. But as they say, we’re all equal. So, we’re going there with our mind fixed on winning the crown,” Sotto said. “For me, if you set a goal, make sure that you shoot for the highest achievement.”

Also in the squad are 6-foot-8 Geo Chui and 6-foot-7 Raven Cortez as well as RC Calimag, Forthsky Padrigao, Gerry Abadiano, Bismarck Lina, Migs Pascual, Rafael Go, Joshua Lazaro and McLaude Guadana.