All eyes on Kai Sotto

The Philippines is set to defend their SEABA Under-16 title next month at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, and they are pinning their hopes on a second-generation baller.

6'11 big man Kai Sotto is pegged to have his "coming-out party" at the regional competition, after his impressive performance to close out the UAAP season, securing Rookie of the Year honors and helping Ateneo to a Final Four appearance, bowing to the eventual UAAP champions FEU-Diliman in the Final Four.

Coaching Kai and the rest of the team is Mike Oliver, who handled the team when they claimed the title in Cagayan de Oro City two years ago.

Batang Gilas will kick off its campaign against Singapore on May 14, followed by matches against Indonesia (May 15), Thailand (May 17), and Malaysia (May 18). Whoever tops the group will claim the SEABA shot for the FIBA-Asia U-16 Championships scheduled later this year.

The matches will take place simultaneous to the SEABA Men's Championships, with the U16 games taking place in the mornings.

SBP highlights need to win SEABA

SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, center back row, addresses concerns during the contract-signing and press conference at the Holiday Inn on the staging of the 2017 SEABA Championship.
From left, upper row, James Pangilinan, Crowne Meetings Director; Janice Tiambeng, Director of Sales & Marketing Holiday Inn Manila Galleria; Al  S. Panlilio, president, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas; Gaurav Rai, General Manager, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria; Renauld 'Sonny' Barrios, Executive Director. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas; Vincent "Chot" Reyes, TV 5 President and Gilas Head Coach.
(LOWER ROW) Butch A. Antonio, SBP Dep Exec Dir for International Affairs, Gilas Team Manager; Michael Oliver, Batang Gilas Head Coach, and Raymond Almazan, Calvin Abueva, Kevin Ferrer, Gilas Players.

With the Philippines set to host the SEABA championships next month, Gilas seeks to win the tournament to begin its quest for the Tokyo Olympics.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio underscored the need to win this regional competition, which is set to take place on May 12-18 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

He says, "It's a long journey for us. We have to win it (SEABA), no ifs and buts for Gilas Pilipinas."

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes echoed that statement, adding that "There is no room for error here in this tournament." He also notes the possibility that other teams could be integrating naturalized players onto their rosters. In addition, he pegged Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia as the teams to look out for.

SEABA serves as the regional qualifier for the FIBA Asia Cup, which will take place on August 10-20 in Lebanon. The top 14 teams will be vying for spots towards qualification into the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, which will now be conducted in the home-and-away format.

Meanwhile, SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios notes the federation's readiness to host the event.

Ticket Prices were also revealed for the SEABA, with the following costs:

Patron A: PhP 950
Patron B: PhP 900
Patron C: PhP 880
Box VIP: PhP 550
Box Regular: PhP 450
Upper Box: PhP 200
General Admission: PhP 100