Kai Sotto will miss significant time after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, as confirmed by B.League Division 1 team Koshigaya Alphas on Wednesday afternoon (Philippine time).
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, January 5.
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 former Ateneo High School standout has been placed on the team’s injury list.
The setback also rules Sotto out of the B.League Asia Rising Star Game scheduled for Saturday, January 18.
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.
“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 announced on their Instagram page.
On a national level, the injury also sidelines Sotto for Gilas Pilipinas’ entire 2025 campaign. This includes a crucial appearance in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this August.
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.
Following Barangay Ginebra’s 93-81 victory over San Miguel last Sunday, Gilas Pilipinas head 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.
