(UPDATED) Filipino basketball sensation Kai Sotto has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 Japan B. League season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the Koshigaya Alphas announced Wednesday.
The injury occurred during the first quarter of the Alphas’ game against the Sea Horses Mikawa on Sunday, which ended in a narrow 77-79 loss.
At just 22 years old, Sotto has been averaging career-best numbers this season, with 13.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.
“The worst way to start the year, might be the darkest day of my basketball career, when I was told I tore my ACL,” Sotto shared in an Instagram post.
The 7-foot-3 center expressed his gratitude to fans and vowed to persevere, saying, “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.”
The injury also means Sotto will miss the highly anticipated B.League Asia Rising Star Game on January 18.
Additionally, his absence deals a significant blow to Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine national basketball team, ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in February.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone has announced that Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos will step up in Sotto’s absence when the team faces Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.
Despite already securing a slot in the FIBA Asia Cup, the loss of Sotto diminishes Gilas’ frontcourt depth.
Sotto’s breakout season had been a bright spot for the struggling Alphas, who hold an 8-20 record.
