FILIPINO center and Koshigaya Alphas’ standout Kai Sotto is set to miss at least six months of competitive basketball after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The injury occurred during the Alphas’ narrow 77-79 loss to the Mikawa Seahorses in the Japan B. League on January 5, 2025.
The Koshigaya Alphas confirmed the diagnosis on Wednesday.
“Kai Sotto was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament on January 5, 2025 (Sunday) at the Seahorse Mikawa game, and has been registered on the Injury List.”
The 7’3” center shared the devastating news with fans on Instagram, expressing his disappointment.
“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.
The Alphas have estimated Sotto’s recovery time at six months, but medical literature suggests a complete recovery from an ACL tear can take up to a year.
The injury not only sidelines Sotto from the B. League Asia Rising Star Game on January 18, but also casts doubt on his availability for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, and possibly the continental championship in August.
The Philippines, currently unbeaten in Pool A, is scheduled to play road games against Chinese Taipei on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23. Sotto’s absence could leave a significant gap in the team’s roster.
Amid Sotto’s injury, reports have it that Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is considering recalling veteran forward Japeth Aguilar to fill the void.
