Gilas Pilipinas’ Kai Sotto confirmed that he sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a B.League game in Japan, an injury that will reportedly keep him out of the court for several months.
The Filipino basketball sensation revealed the devastating news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing the injury as the “darkest day” of his basketball career.
“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 wrote, expressing his heartbreak over the setback.
“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 concluded his post on a positive note.
The injury occurred early in the first quarter of his team, Koshigaya Alphas’ game against the SeaHorses Mikawa on Sunday, his Japanese team announced on its website.
“Kai Sotto was injured in the game against the SeaHorses Mikawa on Sunday, January 5, 2025, and was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and has been placed on the injury list,” the team announced in Japanese, as translated to English by Google.
Sotto reportedly landed awkwardly on his left leg after attempting a shot in the paint. The landing caused his knee to bend unnaturally, forcing him to exit the game.
Medical evaluations later confirmed the ACL tear, which is considered one of the most serious injuries in basketball, often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Sotto has yet to announce details about his treatment plan or a timeline for his return. However, the setback is expected to sideline him for “at least six months”, as reported by The Philippine STAR, potentially impacting the remainder of upcoming games.
Kai’s ACL injury will reportedly sideline him for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers next month, where Gilas Pilipinas has already secured a spot in the regional tournament in Jeddah. He will also reportedly miss the B.League Asia Rising Star Game on January 18.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone acknowledged the challenge of Sotto’s absence but mentioned veteran Japeth Aguilar and rising star Mason Amos as potential replacements.
Fans, colleagues, and close friends alike have expressed their support for the Pinoy athlete, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Kapuso actor Ruru Madrid penned a supportive comment to Kai on his Instagram post, writing, “Brother! Panalangin para sa iyong mas mabilis na paggaling… 🙏 […] Marami kami na naniniwala sayo brader! Laban lang nakasuporta kami sayo at nakaabang sa mas malakas mong pagbabalik at pagtupad sa lahat ng pangarap mo sa iyong sarili at karangalan ng ating bansa! 🇵🇭🙏💚💫”
Fellow basketball players Dave Ildefonso and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. also wrote their wishes for his speedy recovery.
“Get well soon brad. Nasa likod mo pa rin kami kahit ano mangyari 🙏,” Ildefonso wrote.
“Praying for a speedy recovery fam🤞🏾stay in faith,” commented Parks.
