Who is Philippines' favorite son: Scottie or Sotto?

MANILA (Philippines) - It's not a secret that basketball in the Philippines is quite the phenomenon. 

Basketball is deeply ingrained in the hearts of Filipinos, and the country has produced many talented players who have made their mark both locally and internationally.

Two names that stand out in the basketball scene as the country prepares to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 are Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson. 

Both players have achieved remarkable success and have captured the attention and admiration of fans across the Philippines. Both are also currently in Manila with the national team gearing for the ultimate test with Gilas Pilipinas.

But who's the chosen one among the fans?

Sotto carries the Philippine dream

Kai Sotto is a towering figure in Philippine basketball. He stands at an imposing 2.18m (7ft 2in) and is easily the Philippines team's tallest player. He first gained prominence as a member of the Gilas Pilipinas U16 national team for several years, representing the Philippines at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Argentina.

Sotto's exceptional skills and dominance on the court quickly caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts. Not too long after, he debuted for the senior national team.

One of the reasons why Sotto has captured the hearts of Filipino basketball fans is his pursuit of playing in the NBA. Sotto's dream of becoming the first-ever homegrown Filipino in the NBA has resonated with fans across the country. Despite not being drafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Sotto's determination hasn't wavered.

He has continued to work hard to impress scouts with his skills during workouts with NBA teams and has also seen action in top-level basketball leagues like NBL in Australia and the Japanese B.League.

Wherever he goes, the interest of Filipino fans follows. 

Scottie embodies Filipino passion

For his part, Scottie Thompson has also made quite a name for himself. He has been a key player for the Gilas Pilipinas national team, showcasing his versatility and basketball IQ in various tournaments. Thompson's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game has made him a fan favorite.

It also helps that he plays for the country's most popular professional team, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Thompson has also been integral in helping Ginebra win seven PBA championships and was also named PBA Finals MVP twice and a season MVP in 2021.

 

There is no doubt that Thompson has made a significant impact on Philippine basketball. He has undoubtedly solidified his status as one of the domestic league's all-time top players and is also eager to see action in his first FIBA Basketball World Cup.

"I'm truly blessed and honored to play at the World Cup," he told FIBA.basketball. "I'm also really nervous and excited at the same time. I'm just excited to play for the Philippines and give my best for the Filipino fans."

Returning from injury

Both Sotto and Thompson have also recovered and returned from sick bay. Up until recently, Gilas Pilipinas had dealt with injury concerns. However, they now have a complete cast led by the duo. Thompson showed no signs of a hand fracture that kept him out of previous sessions. Meanwhile, Sotto, recovering from back rehab, recently joined full practice and is ready for the World Cup.

For sure, both Sotto and Thompson are going to be among the clear fan favorites when Gilas Pilipinas tip off their World Cup campaign on Friday against the Dominican Republic in Group A.

 

Veteran Filipino journalist Homer Sayson believes Thompson is leading the race: "Both have a strong following but I'd say Scottie has the edge heading into the World Cup because of Ginebra's sustained excellence in the PBA," he said. "Whereas Kai has yet to establish a firm footing in his international journey."

Another seasoned sportswriter, Naveen Ganglani, has a similar perspective.

"I think in terms of being the 'stronger' fan favorite, it's gotta be Scottie, because of his production on the court," he said. "With Kai right now, the sense is 'what's his future going to look like - is the NBA still a possibility?' I think Thompson's performance has brought a sense of reliability for fans, while with Sotto, it's more of intrigue."

Very recently, Sotto's status was up in the air. For a while, it seemed like he might miss the World Cup entirely, and fans may have felt confused. Despite some speculations, however, Sotto's commitment to the team never wavered.

"First of all, I never said no to represent my country. I've been playing for my country ever since I was 14 years old," Sotto said on an online sports talk show. "My top two dreams are making it to the NBA and representing the national team."

Looking ahead to the World Cup, the Philippines have high hopes of achieving success on home soil.  The support and enthusiasm of Filipino fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role in motivating Gilas Pilipinas to perform at their best, no matter which of the two are fan favorites.

Of course, one person who's definitely elated both Sotto and Thompson are playing is none other than head coach Chot Reyes, who is elated to have them both on the team as the home team embarks on the a historic World Cup campaign.

FIBA