KAI Sotto will miss significant time, potentially ruling out his Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on the road next month after suffering an ACL in his left knee, as confirmed by Japan B.League Division 1 club Koshigaya Alphas yesterday.

The 22-year-old, 7-foot-3 big man sustained the injury during a post-up attempt against Mikawa forward Zach Auguste at the 6:20 mark of the first quarter last Sunday.

Sotto’s absence was a key factor in Koshigaya’s narrow 77-79 loss, marking the team’s second consecutive defeat.

This devastating injury has prematurely ended Sotto’s 2025 basketball season. The Alphas announced that the Las Piñas native has been placed on the team’s injury list.

Sotto has also been scratched in the B.League Asia Rising Star Game scheduled for Saturday.

Before the injury, Sotto had been a bright spot for the struggling Alphas, who currently hold a woeful 8-20 record. He was averaging 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.7 steals in 28.1 minutes per game.Best video game consoles

“We would like to inform you that #11 Kai Sotto was injured in the game against Seahorse Mikawa on Sunday, January 5, 2025, and was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, so he has been placed on the injured list. Additionally, Kai Sotto will be absent from the B.LEAGUE ASIA RISING STAR GAME to be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025,” the Koshigaya Alphas wrote on their Instagram page.

On a national level, the injury also sidelines Sotto for Gilas Pilipinas’ entire 2025 campaign.

Although Gilas Pilipinas has already secured a spot in the Asia Cup, Sotto’s absence will be felt in the February window of the Asia Cup Qualifiers. The Philippines is set to play away games against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.

Sotto had been performing exceptionally well for Gilas in the qualifiers, posting senior-level averages of 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.Best video game consoles

Following Barangay Ginebra’s 93-81 victory over San Miguel last Sunday, Gilas coach Tim Cone confirmed that Japeth Aguilar will step in to fill the void left by Sotto.

“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 shared on his Instagram page.

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Theodore P. Jurado