The Koshigaya Alphas announced that Filipino basketball star Kai Sotto had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Sotto, 22, suffered the injury in the first quarter of their match against the Sea Horses Mikawa, where they ultimately lost 77-79..
He will likely miss at least six months of his basketball career due to the injury, which prematurely ended his breakout 2025 season in the Japanese league.
Worst day of his career
In the Japan B.League, the 7-foot-3 big man was also enjoying his best season, averaging 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 said on Instagram.
“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," he added.
Missing national team duties
Sotto is also anticipated to miss the forthcoming window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, leaving a massive hole in the center position for Gilas Pilipinas.
In February, the national team will play New Zealand and Chinese Taipei without the towering center.
ACL tears are feared since they cause players to miss a considerable amount of time from their career.
