Kai Sotto’s strength and conditioning coach, Mel Lantin, has arrived in Japan to assist the Filipino basketball phenom recover from his ACL injury.
“Back as an OFW! Let’s go! Stand up, walk, run, strengthen, and return to play,” Lantin shared in a social media post, emphasizing the crucial phases of Sotto’s recovery.
The 7-foot-3 center suffered the injury during the Koshigaya Alphas’ B.League match against the Seahorses Mikawa, collapsing to his knees in pain. As a result, the Alphas have placed him on the injury list, effectively sidelining him for the rest of the season.
Adding to the setback, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has confirmed that Sotto will miss the FIBA Asia Cup in August.
Sotto is expected to be out for nine months to a year, meaning he will also be unavailable for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February and likely the main tournament in Saudi Arabia.
However, Cone remains optimistic that Sotto will make his return in time for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers once he completes his recovery and rehabilitation.
Since hiring Lantin, Sotto has shown remarkable growth and dominance on the court. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted by this injury.