MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto will miss significant time away from the Japan B. League and Gilas Pilipinas following the confirmation of his knee injury.
The Koshigaya Alphas on Wednesday, January 8, announced Sotto sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament and said the Filipino star will need six months for a full recovery.
Sotto got hurt just less than four minutes into the Alphas’ 79-77 loss to the SeaHorses Mikawa on Sunday, January 5, with the 7-foot-3 big man leaving the game and failing to return.
“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,” Sotto wrote on Instagram.
“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 added.
Sotto will sit out the B. League Asia Rising Star Game set on Saturday, January 18, and the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The injury is a huge blow for the 22-year-old stalwart after a stellar year that saw him take on bigger roles for Koshigaya and the national team.
In 26 games this B. League season, Sotto averaged 13.8 points and ranked in the top 10 in rebounds (9.6) and blocks (1.1).
He was even more impressive in his stints for the national team as he put up 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks through four games in the Asia Cup Qualifiers. – Rappler.com