Kai Sotto and head coach Ryuzo Anzai strengthen their bond as the 7-foot-3 Filipino center is starting to pick up pace again for the Koshigaya Alphas in the B.LEAGUE.
Kai Sotto is proving himself as quite an unstoppable force in the Japan B.LEAGUE.
The Gilas Pilipinas standout is back to making waves upon his return to Japan, following his latest stint with the national team.
Last December 8, Sotto tied his career-high in rebounds, delivering an exceptional performance with 25 points and 18 rebounds. His efforts propelled the Koshigaya Alphas to a commanding 100-74 victory over the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, marking their third consecutive win and improving their record to 6-12 in the Eastern Conference.
Since the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Sotto has been on fire, scoring at least 20 points in three of his last four games in Japan.
[ALSO READ: Kai Sotto leads Koshigaya to three straight wins with big double-double]
Koshigaya Alphas head coach Ryuzo Anzai, a proven champion who led the Utsunomiya Brex to the 2022 B1 title, shared high praise for the 7-foot-3 powerhouse.
“Kai is an exceptional athlete who moves incredibly well for his height and transitions seamlessly from fakes to dunks,” Anzai said in a post shared by the B.LEAGUE's official accounts.
True enough, Sotto’s relentless performances highlight his growing dominance and his potential to be a transformative player in international basketball.
And the Filipino sensation continues to display his remarkable humility, expressing gratitude to coach Anzai for his unparalleled leadership. Despite the coach's reputation for delivering tough words, Kai firmly believes these moments help forge him into a stronger athlete.
“HC Anzai is my favorite coach. While his words can be harsh at times, they are necessary and important for the players,” Kai shared, underscoring his deep respect for the champion mentor’s impactful approach.
Kai Sotto speaks with deep respect for the straightforwardness of his head coach, acknowledging the impact of his direct approach while also admiring the entire coaching staff.
“I also appreciate his straightforward approach. Not just head coach Anzai, but all the coaches are excellent,” he said.
Coach Anzai understands his responsibility in helping Kai develop further and is excited to witness his growth.
“As a coach, it’s my job to figure out how to develop his skills. I want to see him progress to the next level,” he said.
Kai Sotto and the Koshigaya Alphas will continue their B1 campaign, facing the Chiba Jets Wednesday, who currently hold a 14-4 record.
Check out the post here:
Watch the full interviews here: