MANILA, Philippines — Filipino import Kai Sotto sustained a knee injury as his Koshigaya Alphas fell to Mikawa Seahorses, 77-79, at Japan’s B.League 2025 season on Sunday.
More than three minutes into the opening frame, Sotto attempted for a shot in the paint but dropped to the floor as his left knee went down in an awkward angle.
The 7-foot-3 center stayed on the floor as he grimaced in pain before being stretchered off the court.
Sotto did not return to action but managed to watch the game from the bench.
Sotto’s absence ultimately resulted in Koshigaya’s second straight loss as the Alphas dropped to 8-20, 20th in the 24-team league.
The injury put a screeching halt to Sotto’s strong B.League season, as the Gilas Pilipinas center has been averaging 13.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.
If Sotto’s injury is serious enough, the 22-year-old could miss a lot of games including Gilas’ FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers games on February 20 against Taiwan and New Zealand on February 23.
In his potential absence, Gilas would have to make do with its big rotation of June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Mason Amos, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao.
Already qualified for the 2025 Asia Cup proper, Gilas leads the Group B standings of the qualifiers with a 4-0 slate.
