Kai Sotto Debut for Ateneo Blue Eaglets with 4 Points, 5 Rebounds, 1 Assist and 1 Block in Limited Action

According to Fox Sports Asia, San Beda spoils Kai Sotto's debut.

The reigning champions San Beda Red Cubs squandered a big lead down the stretch but still managed to escape with a thrilling victory over the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, 86-81, in the opener of Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup 10 juniord division Saturday afternoon at the Flying C Center in San Juan City.Robi Nayve chipped in a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Red Cubs while Prince Etrata and Kai Sese put up 13 and 10, respectively.

Dave Ildefonso, son of former PBA 2-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, towered with 14 points and 7 rebounds along with 2 blocks and 2 assists followed by Sj Belangel’s 13 and Jason Credo’s 12 markers, respectively for the Katipunan-based squad.

Batang Gilas cadettes Evan Nelle and Pedro Alfaro of the Red Cubs did not play for the most part of the game but squeaked through halfway of the final canto while they were still up huge, 82-67, but Blue Eaglets stormed a 14-1 rally led by Belangel and Credo to inch within just 83-81 with under a minute left in the game.

The highly-anticipated prodigy and blue chip recruit of Ateneo, Kai Sotto settled for limited action but still racked up 4 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block.

 ... 

Read more: www.foxsportsasia.com.

 

Ray Parks Jr. Included in Gilas 24-man Lineup

Philippine Star reports that Ray parks Jr. is included in Gilas 24-man lineup.

wo-time UAAP MVP Bobby Ray Parks has been named to the Gilas 24-man lineup that will be submitted to FIBA as a requirement for the Olympic qualifying tournament at the MOA Arena on July 5-10.

SBP deputy executive director for international affairs Butch Antonio said yesterday the deadline to turn in a hard copy of the 24-man roster falls on Wednesday, May 4. The next deadline is on June 20 when teams are required to submit a “short list” of 12 to 16 players. The third deadline is on June 27 when the final 12-man cast will be sent. Only the players from the 24-man roster may be included in the lineups for June 20 and 27.

FIBA may allow a few changes in the final 12-man team during the managers’ meeting on the day before the tournament starts but it will depend on the reason for each switch. If the reason is a player is unable to play because of injury, FIBA may permit a change. A fee of $2,000 is usually assessed for every player replacement. Allowing a late change is discretionary on FIBA’s part. Any player change on the eve of the tournament will come only from the 24-man list.

Antonio said Parks, who just finished playing for the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, has spoken with Gilas coach Tab Baldwin and expressed his intention to try out for the national squad.  “Ray-Ray arrived a few days ago and wants a shot at a slot,” said Antonio. “Of course, he’s welcome. He’s one of the best young players in the country today.”

In a recent interview, Parks confirmed his willingness to play for Gilas. “If I had the privilege of doing that, then I would love to,” he said. “I mean, I’m not only representing the country by just playing with Gilas but also wherever I go, I always have the Philippines on my back. In the Olympic qualifiers, I believe that as long as we play with ‘puso,’ we have a chance to defeat any team by just giving it our all.”

From playing for Dallas in the NBA Summer League to joining Texas in the NBA D-League, Parks said he’s learning to become a complete player. “From my time in the Philippines, I can say that my shooting has really developed and at the same time, getting that higher basketball IQ, that feed from the coaches, the breakdown on what we’re trying to do and how to read the game,” he said. “Everybody’s really competitive whether it may be just from running, sprints or playing up and down. It’s very physical and intense. The practices really go for a long time but at the same time, each minute we are competing.”

Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Parks, 23, isn’t the only non-PBA player in Gilas’ 24-man roster. The others are Kiefer Ravena, 22; Kevin Ferrer, 23; Mac Belo, 23; R. R. Pogoy, 23; Russell Escoto, 23 and naturalized player Andray Blatche, 29. The PBA players in the cast are Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, 25; Ranidel de Ocampo, 34; Ryan Reyes, 32; Mo Tautuaa, 27; Jayson Castro, 29; Troy Rosario, 24; L. A. Tenorio, 31; Greg Slaughter, 27; Japeth Aguilar, 29; Marcio Lassiter, 28; JuneMar Fajardo, 26; Gabe Norwood, 31; Jeff Chan, 33; Paul Lee, 27; Calvin Abueva, 28; Terrence Romeo, 24 and Marc Pingris, 34.

The average age of the 24-man cast is 27 and average height is 6-3. In the Gilas lineups for the 2014 FIBA World Cup and 2015 FIBA Asia Championships, the average age was 32. The average height was 6-3 for the World Cup and 6-5 for the FIBA Asia Championships. Asi Taulava’s presence increased the average height for Changsha.

... 

Read more: www.philstar.com.

Kai Sotto's Mobility and Soft Touch are Unique for his Size and Height

According to Spin, Kai Sotto's mobility and soft touch are unique for his size and height.

THIS early, Ateneo Blue Eaglets coach Joe Silva is impressed with the skills of 13-year-old Kai Sotto, who gained a shot at making the roster after passing the school's entrance exam.

Even while the team waits for his official enrollment to the school, the 6-foot-9 Sotto has already been practicing with the Blue Eaglets. And with the way he is performing in practice, the Ateneo coach believes that he has a strong chance of making the UAAP squad next season.

"Yes, he has a big chance of making it to the UAAP. Of course, maraming factors pa rin ‘yan dahil matagal pa ang UAAP season pero mataas pa rin ang chance," said Silva.

"I don’t know if he can contribute right away, but next year or in the years to come, we hope that he will be a dominant presence inside," said Silva of the teen prodigy named MVP of the Jr. NBA national training camp this year.

With the preseason tournaments now ongoing, Sotto also has a shot at making the Filoil preseason lineup when the Blue Eaglets open the campaign against San Beda.

Silva said he likes Sotto’s fundamentals, as well as some of the surprising attributes unique to a player his size and age.

"One thing good about him is he is mobile, he can shoot with both hands, and he can dribble the ball using both hands. He also has a decent outside shot already," Silva said.

Silva admitted that the 13-year-old still needs to bulk up but he says it's just a matter of time.

"His presence is definitely malaki. Right now, ‘yung katawan medyo mahina pa because of the fact that he is only 13 years old. But he has a lot of upside because of his soft touch around the basket," said Silva.

Read more: www.spin.ph.

6'9 Kai Sotto Was Named MVP of the Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp

According to Spin, Kai Sotto stands out and named MVP in Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp.

THE third time’s the charm for 6-9 high school phenom Kai Zachary Sotto after he was finally named to the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Star Team.

In his last attempt before he turns 14 next month, the soft-spoken Sotto from St. Francis of Assisi School was not only part of 10 boys and five girls who comprised a team of the best high school basketball players in the country, he was also given the National Training Camp MVP award.

“Masaya po. Pinaghirapan ko po ito.  Pinaghandaan ko po ito. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa opportunity na nakuha ko  po yung award na ito,” said the 13-year-old son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto.

“Sobrang saya ko po. Isa po ito sa mga pangarap ko. Yung opportunity nandito na so binigay ko na yung best ko,” he told reporters during an interview.

When asked if he has committed to play for a particular school in the coming school year, Kai said, “Wala pa po akong sure na school pero my family prefers Ateneo.”

Asked if his newfound fame has affected him, Sotto shrugged off the attention, “Gini-give ko yung best ko, meron malas, meron swerte. Normal pa rin. (I’ll just) be good! Sakto lang. I just want to play basketball. Yun ang focus ko lagi.”

Thousands of participants took part in regional training camps in Baguio City, Davao, Cebu and Makati in a search that culminated with the National Training Camp Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA National Training Camp held at the Music Hall of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Literally standing out among the other players, Sotto also took everyone’s notice because of his humble and respectful nature. 

...

Read more: www.spin.ph.

 

Jolo Mendoza had 16 points as he led Batang Gilas Demolished Thailand 101-45

According to Fox Sports Asia, Skipper Jolo Mendoza propels Batang Gilas in 101-45 Thailand drubbing.

Team captain Jolo Mendoza led the way as Batang Gilas made an emphatic debut with a whopping 101-45 win over Thailand on the opening day of the SEABA Under-18 Championships in Indonesia Saturday night.

The prodigy out of Ateneo High School chipped in 16 points while Palarong Pambansa 2016 Most Valuable Player Evan Nelle of San Beda High School backed him up with 10 markers and 3 assists.

National University-recruit Joshua Sinclair contributed 12 points and Rendell Lee of the Xavier School added 12 as well on 4-of-8 shooting from downtown.

Thailand, on the other hand, struggled to rack up points with Natthaworn Banchathon and Pongsakorn Jaimsawad making just 8 and 7 points, respectively.

...

Read more: www.foxsportsasia.com.

 

Fil-American Mikh McKinney Averaged 11.6 Points Per Game, 4.3 Assists and 2.3 Steals in Belgium-Scooore League Last Week

6'1 Fil-American point guard Mikh McKinney averaged 11.6 point per game, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals in 3 games of the Belgium-Scooore League last week. Against Okapi Aalstar, he had 19 points, 7 assists and 2 steals as Port of Antwerp won 109-83. In his team's second game last week against Proximus Spirou Charlero, Mikh McKinney tallied 14 points, 3 assists and 4 steals as he again led his team in victory
81-62. But in their 3rd game last week they suffered a 77-81 loss against Telenet BC Oostende as Mikh McKinney was limited to only 2 points and 3 assists.

6'9 14 Years Old Fil-Aussie Ethan Kirkness Officially Joins Batang Gilas

According to Fox Sports Asia, Fil-Aussie Ethan Kirkness offkcially joins Batang Gilas.

Batang Gilas continues to get bigger as 6-foot-9 wunderkind Ethan Kirkness becomes the first Fil-Foreigner to be recruited by the national youth basketball program. 

Under the developmental program forged by Batang Gilas with the Kirkness family, Ethan will be trained in Australia for six months and will be evaluated accordingly. If plans don’t miscarry, Ethan will make his Batang Gilas debut in the FIBA Asia Under-16 Championships where he is expected to form a twin tower combo with fellow 6-foot-9 Kai Sotto, the son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto.

Ethan is currently being personally trained by former NBL player-turned youth basketball coach Greg Fox, who played against the Alvin Patrimonio-led Philippine team in the 1987 Jones Cup.

“Ethan has already added 6 inches to his vertical leap utilizing my training and conditioning methods – so that’s pretty significant for him at this stage of development,” Fox told FOX Sports in an overseas call.

He noted that he is working on Ethan’s eye-hands coordination using tennis balls series.

Fox though is careful not put too much pressure on Ethan as he wants him to develop not only big man’s skills but to become a versatile player.

“I want to establish and develop his foundation of skills particularly his movement and footwork,” Fox added.

While considered a project, Ethan is very eager to learn as he is religiously attending his thrice-a-week personal training with Fox and another one with his Seahawks club team.

At 6-9 and 230 lbs., Ethan’s father said he’s having a hard time maintaining his son’s training and development.

“He is as strong as an ox. It costs us a lot to get him this far. His dream is really to play for Gilas someday so we’re really happy for him,” Michael Kirkness said.

... 

Read more: www.foxsportsasia.com.

Fil-American Dwight Ramos had 20 points for Tribune in 13th annual Tribune/Star-News All Star Classic

According to San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Dwight Ramos had 20 points for Tribune in 13th annual Tribune/Star-News All Star Classic.

There was no way Damien High School boys basketball standout Bryce Peters was going out a loser in his final game on his home court.

Peters erupted down the stretch en route to a game-high 22 points and helped the Tribune team post a 106-92 win over the Star-News in the 13th Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic for local high school basketball seniors.

“I’m going to miss Damien, but it’s good to get this MVP award,” said Peters, who will play at Colorado next season. “This is the last thing I’ll remember after our season. Without a doubt this was special.”

The Tribune took a 7-6 lead in the series, but not before the Star-News made what looked like a monumental blowout in the making a very exciting game in the second half.

The Tribune led 47-20 midway through the first half. The Star-News gradually chipped away and later had two-point leads at three different points of the second half.

But down the stretch, Peters was a force and his barrage of 3-pointers and strong drives to the basket turned the game into a comfortable win for the Tribune team.

Christian Oyie-Little of La Salle scored a team-high 19 points for the Star-News and earned team MVP honors.

“We had a lot of fun,” Oyie-Little said. “I just told the guys, once we got down 20, ‘Just have fun. It’s an all-star game, we’re not really playing for anything, just go hard.’ We got the game close and had a little fun.

“I tried to give my all like I do in every high school game.”

Walnut’s Dwight Ramos, who scored 20 points, also had a big night for the Tribune. 

...

Read more: www.sgvtribune.com.

 

Kai Zachary Sotto Has The Potential to be One of the Best Big Men in Philippine Basketball

Spin reports that Sky is the limit for Kai Sotto, says former national coach Joe Lipa.

HAVING been in basketball for almost half a century and after coaching some of the best players in the country, Joe Lipa surely knows a good basketball player when he sees one.

And he's the first to say that the sky is the limit for Kai Zachary Sotto.

After watching the 13-year-old go through some drills and shoot some hoops during a basketball tournament they both graced on Manicani Island in Guuian, Eastern Samar over the weekend, the former national coach raved about the 'tremendous potential' of the 6-foot-9 son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto.

Lipa based his observation on several upsides he saw in the kid, namely a reed-thin but well-proportioned body, well-coordinated movement and dribbling and shooting skills which almost looked natural to the kid.

“I think he has tremendous potential," said Lipa, best remembered for leading a University of the Philippines side led by Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano to its last UAAP championship in 1986 and the Philippine national team to a bronze-medal finish in the 1986 Asian Games.

"He has a well-coordinated body whenever he does drills. I saw him take free throws, he is well coordinated to be a good shooter, he has a good shooting touch,” said Lipa.

“He was not even exerting much effort whenever he shoots the ball,” he added.

If developed and trained properly, Lipa, 62, said Sotto has the potential to be one of the best big men in Philippine basketball, growing excited at the thought of seeing the kid team up with Benjie's son Kobe Paras in future national teams.

“For sure, he can be the best big man of the country. It will be fun to watch when he and Kobe Paras play for the Philippines,” he said. “He has the skills, he can dribble, he can shoot almost effortlessly and he has the wingspan to threaten the opposing players."

That remains to be seen," the coach added when asked how good Sotto can potentially be. "Of course, it will be hard to forecast how strong he can be, how heavy he will be. It will be dependent on how he can develop his physique."

Lipa also mentioned the assessment of Sotto’s pediatrician, who said the teenager can grow as tall as 7-6.

“That was the assessment of his pediatricians,” said Lipa. "Ang maganda pa sa kanya, he looks very normal, may iba kasi hindi tama yung paglaki, pero I don’t see any abnormality. He is very normal."

Lipa hopes the kid can bulk up in due time and hone his skills, but there's no rush.

“At this stage, he should be more focused on developing his coordination and motor skills, then eventually focus on his strengths,” he said.

“And hearing from his dad Ervin that Kai is very good at imitating game of other players like his NBA idols, that will be better for him because it means he can mimic good moves, so he’s very athletic. That’s good but I didn’t see that and I hope to see it one day.”

...

Read more: www.spin.ph. 

6'5 Fil-American Dwight Ramos Joins Cal State Fullerton Titans’ 2016 Recruiting Class

According to Fullerton Titans, Dwight Ramos joins Titan's 2016 recruiting class.

Cal State Fullerton head men's basketball coach Dedrique Taylor announced the addition of local Walnut High School product Dwight Ramos during the regular signing period on Wednesday. Ramos joins incoming freshmen in Austen Awosika and Davon Clare along with junior transfer Arkim Robertston who have each signed National Letters of Intent to attend Cal State Fullerton for the 2016-17 academic year.

Dwight Ramos | Fr. | G | 6-5 | West Covina, Calif. | Walnut HSRamos recently completed his final season on the court for Walnut High School in Walnut, Calif., and was named to the All-CIF-Southern Section 2015-16 Boys Basketball Division 1A First Team after averaging 28.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.

The versatile guard scored 40 points or more on five occasions during the year, and helped lead the Mustangs to the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section 2016 Boys Basketball Championships as Walnut ended its season with a 24-6 record.

"We are very excited about Dwight," Taylor said. "He is a local product with high character that will give us the ability to space the floor with his shooting ability.  He has good size and a very good feel for the game. He will have an immediate impact both on and off the floor for our program. "

Ramos was also named first-team all-Hacienda League for the second time in his career following his senior season.

"Dwight Ramos is one of the hardest working players that I've had the honor of coaching," Walnut High School head coach Joe Khouzman said. "He has an innate feel for the game that very few players have. Dwight's a classic example of hard work paying off."

As a junior in 2015, Ramos was named to the All-CIF-Southern Section 2015-16 Boys Basketball Division 1A Second  Team, and helped the Mustangs to the Hacienda League championship. In addition, Ramos was a two-time all-area selection. He averaged 20.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game as a junior. 

 ...

Read more: www.fullertontitans.com.

Fil-American Eli Ramos was named to the Hacienda League Second Team

Fil-American freshman Eli Ramos younger brother of Dwight Ramos was named to the Hacienda League Second team. Eli who stand 6'2 and 15 years old, plays the point guard position. He averaged 9.2 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and .6 steal per game in 30 games. His team, Walnut High School finished the season with a 24-6 record and reached the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 1A playoffs.
Watch Eli Ramos basketball highlights in his freshman year courtesy  of Youtube.

Samuel Abu Hijleh Has The Makings of a Future Star

According to Rappler, Sameul Abu Hijleh has the makings of a future star.

Sam Abu Hijleh stands at 6-foot-3 and has the body of a tank. With two years to go in his high school hoops career, he has enough time to develop his college-ready physique even further along with his already-polished skill-set - factors which make him one of the most exciting prospects for the future in Philippine basketball.

The 17-year-old Fil-Jordanian just played a major role for the San Beda Red Cubs in the recent NCAA junior’s basketball season where they won a 7th consecutive championship. With his ability to score in the low-post, quality defense, and leadership, he was considered one of the star players of the team and entire league.

His play earned him slots in the 2016 NBTC All-Star Game and SLAM Rising Stars Challenge - contests featuring the premier high school basketball players in the country today. Presently, he’s the team captain of Calabarzon in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa secondary tournament, where the San Beda-laden cast is set to play in the finals on Saturday, April 16 against Central Luzon region.

Getting to the championship game was no easy task. Calabarzon had to defeat rival NCR in the semifinals on Friday, 79-68, in a game that included some history between both sides. During the 2015 Palarong Pambansa, it was NCR which eliminated Calabarzon, disallowing the latter from repeating as champions. A year later, Abu Hijleh and company have returned the favor.

“Syempre nanduon na rin yung redemption namin,” he told Rappler after the physical game which included shoving, trash-talking, and verbal tirades from both crowds at the Ibalong Center of Recreation in Albay. The matchup was so heated than when an NCR player fell to the floor and clutched his knee late, the injury looking serious, a spectator from the other side screamed: “Arte (acting)!”

“Gustong gusto na din namin sila talunin since sila yung tumalo saamin last year, and gusto namin ipakita sa Calabarzon and sa buong Philippines actually na kaya namin mag champion dito,” he said.

(We really wanted to beat them because they were the ones who eliminated us last year, and we wanted to show to Calabarzon and the entire Philippines that we’re capable of winning the championship here.)

Abu Hijleh’s performance last NCAA season earned him a selection in the league’s Mythical Five, but what may be more impressive than his in-game abilities is his leadership trait, which is why Red Cubs/Calabarzon head coach JB Sison made him team captain.

During a heated moment in the fourth quarter of the game against NCR after a hard foul, players from both sides had a display of masculinity by getting up on each other’s faces. But before anything serious could escalate, Abu Hijleh pulled his teammates back and pushed them to the sidelines, not allowing any physical commotion to take place.

“Siguro naman ganon gagawin nang lahat nag captain,” he said about the incident. “Kasi kailangan niya i-control yung teammates niya. Siguro since ako yung captain, ako yung kailangan maging steady sa team.”

(I guess that’s what captains typically do. Because he needs to control his teammates. Since I'm the captain, I need to be the one to steady the team.)

“Sanay na kami sa ganon,” he talked about his team’s experience in heated situations. “Parang control nalang, composure, tapos iniisip na rin namin mag fi-finals kami, so kailangan kumpleto kami, wala ma-thrown out.”

(We’re used to those situations. We just need to be in control, have composure, and realize we’re going to be in the finals, so we need to be complete and no one gets thrown out.)

That kind of mentality is an example of why both San Beda’s coach and his players have trusted Abu Hijleh. The old saying “Don’t talk about it; be about it,” applies to his actions in and out of the court.

“Alam naman namin hard-worker siya,” Sison said about his big man. “Kahit siya yung captain ball namin, he’s isa sa mga talagang nag bibigay nang effort sa team. He leads by example.”

(We know he’s a hard worker. That’s why he’s our captain ball. He’s one of those who really gives effort for the team. He leads by example.)

...

Read more: www.rappler.com.