Tunisia World Cup
I still remember the first time I saw Ervin Sotto play - this lanky center moving with surprising grace for someone standing 6'8". Watching him develop from a promising rookie to becoming one of the PBA's most reliable big men has been quite the journey. What strikes me most about his career trajectory is how it mirrors the development of other Filipino basketball talents, though each has their own unique path. Just last week, I was watching SJ Belangel's performance where he dropped 22 points with that beautiful 3-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, plus four assists, three rebounds, and one steal. It reminded me that while individual brilliance matters, basketball remains fundamentally a team sport - something Sotto has clearly internalized throughout his career.
When Sotto first entered the league, I'll admit I had my doubts. He had the height, sure, but I wondered if he had the toughness needed for the physical PBA game. Boy, was I wrong. Over the past three seasons, I've watched him transform from a raw talent into someone who understands positioning better than most veterans. His basketball IQ has grown exponentially - he's always in the right place at the right time, whether it's for a crucial rebound or that perfectly timed block. What really won me over was watching him develop that reliable mid-range jumper that defenders now have to respect.
The comparison between Sotto's steady rise and Belangel's current situation with Daegu's winless streak through four games highlights how different players handle pressure differently. While Belangel is putting up impressive individual numbers, basketball requires the entire team to click. This is where Sotto has truly excelled - he makes everyone around him better. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him set screens that create open looks for teammates or how his presence in the paint forces opponents to alter their shots.
What I appreciate most about Sotto's game is his consistency. Night after night, you know what you're getting - solid defense, reliable rebounding, and that growing offensive arsenal. He might not always put up flashy numbers, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. I remember this one game where he only scored eight points but completely changed the game with his defensive presence, altering at least seven shots that don't even show up in the box score. That's the kind of player coaches dream of having.
His development reminds me why I love following basketball careers - it's not just about the highlight reels, but about the gradual improvement, the adjustments, the little things that separate good players from great ones. While I'm obviously biased toward Sotto's methodical approach to the game, I can't help but admire how he's carved out his role and continues to expand it. The PBA needs more players like him - professionals who understand their strengths and work relentlessly to maximize them while contributing to team success above all else.
