Kai Sotto will miss some time from the basketball court as he recovers from his ACL injury, dealing a huge blow to not only the Koshigaya Alphas but also for Gilas Pilipinas.
Kai Sotto confirmed his ACL tear during the Koshigaya Alphas’ narrow 77-79 loss to the Seahorse Mikawa last January 5 in Japan's B.LEAGUE.
The injury occurred early in the first quarter when Sotto attempted a shot in the paint but fell awkwardly, with his left knee bending unnaturally.
The 7-foot-3 center was stretchered off the court and did not return to the game, although he later joined his team on the bench.
In an Instagram post, Sotto described the news as the "darkest day" of his basketball career.
“The worst way to start the year, might be the darkest day of my basketball career, when I was told I tore my ACL. Tough to let this one sink in. I appreciate all the love and support everyone has given me these past few days. I know God has a better plan for me, and we just have to keep going,” Sotto wrote in his post.
Sotto had been having a solid season with the Alphas, averaging a near double-double of 13.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per outing. His points, rebounds, and assists numbers are all career-highs.
The injury marks a significant blow to his season with the Alphas as well as Gilas Pilipinas. Sotto is projected to miss at least six months, putting him out of action for the upcoming window for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in February.