How PBA Player Sotto Became One of the League's Most Dominant Centers
I remember the first time I saw June Mar Sotto step onto the PBA court - honestly, I wasn't immediately convinced he'd become the dominant force he is today. Standing at 6'11", he certainly had the height, but I've seen plenty of tall players who never quite lived up to their physical potential. What struck me most during those early games was how he moved with this unusual combination of size and grace that you rarely see in Philippine basketball. I've been covering the PBA for over a decade now, and I can count on one hand the number of centers who've genuinely changed how the game is played in our league. Sotto, I've come to realize, is one of those rare talents.
His development trajectory reminds me somewhat of elite fighters in combat sports - take for instance the Japanese fighter who sports that impressive 15-5-2 record including nine KOs. That fighter didn't achieve that status overnight, and neither did Sotto. Both needed to systematically develop their skills, understand their advantages, and learn how to exploit opponents' weaknesses. When I look at Sotto's game now compared to his rookie season, the improvement in his footwork alone is staggering. He's developed this beautiful drop step that's become almost impossible to defend, and his hook shot has turned into one of the most reliable weapons in the league. I've charted his shooting percentages over the years, and his field goal percentage has climbed from 48% in his first season to around 58% this past year - that's elite efficiency by any measure.
What really separates Sotto from other big men, in my opinion, is his basketball IQ. I've had the privilege of speaking with several coaches who've worked with him, and they all mention his incredible understanding of spacing and timing. He doesn't just set screens - he sets them at precisely the right angle and moment to create maximum advantage. His defensive positioning has improved dramatically too. Last season, he averaged 2.1 blocks per game, but what the stats don't show are the countless shots he alters just by being in the right place. I remember specifically a game against Ginebra where he didn't record a single block, yet the opposing team shot just 35% in the paint when he was on the floor.
The physical transformation has been remarkable to witness up close. When Sotto entered the league, he weighed around 245 pounds - decent, but he could get pushed around by stronger imports. Now, he's playing at about 265 pounds of solid muscle, and it shows in his ability to establish deep post position. I've seen him completely take over games in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points in the final six minutes against Rain or Shine last February. That kind of dominance when it matters most is what separates good players from great ones.
His passing out of the post is another aspect that doesn't get enough attention. Sotto averages about 3.5 assists per game, which is exceptional for a center. I recall a play against Magnolia where he drew a double team and fired a cross-court pass to an open shooter in the corner that was just beautiful basketball. It's these little things that make watching him so rewarding for true students of the game. He makes everyone around him better, and as someone who values team basketball, I appreciate that quality immensely.
There are areas where he could still improve, of course. His free throw shooting hovers around 65%, which isn't terrible for a big man but could be better. And while he's developed a decent mid-range jumper, expanding his range to the three-point line would make him virtually unguardable. But these are refinements to what's already an outstanding skillset. What impresses me most is his work ethic - I've heard stories from team staff about him being the first to arrive and last to leave practice, constantly working on his game.
Looking at the broader context of Philippine basketball, Sotto represents something special. We've produced talented big men before, but none with his combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence. He's changing what people expect from Filipino centers, showing that we can develop players who can compete with the best imports. In my conversations with basketball people around Asia, Sotto's name frequently comes up as someone who could potentially make an impact internationally.
The journey hasn't been without challenges. I've watched him struggle through injuries and slumps, facing criticism from fans and media. But what's defined his career so far is his ability to bounce back stronger. Last season, after missing six games with an ankle sprain, he returned to average 18 points and 12 rebounds over the next month. That resilience, combined with his physical gifts and continuously improving skills, is why I believe he's positioned to dominate the PBA for years to come. The league has seen great centers before, but Sotto is carving out his own unique legacy, one that future generations of Filipino big men will undoubtedly look to emulate.
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