Kai Sotto remains committed to his recovery journey as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL suffered earlier this year while playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in the Japan B.League.
The 23-year-old big man sustained the injury in a 79-77 loss to the SeaHorses Mikawa last January.
On Instagram Stories, the 7-foot-3 center gave a shoutout to those helping him through rehab:
“Big shoutout to these great men that helped me get my knee right this past 5 months. Thanks sir @Jerickrueca and coach @r.a.barty. My people since HS 
,” Sotto wrote.
In an interview with Abante Sports Now’s Enchong Nicolas, Sotto revealed he’s hopeful to return in time for the start of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this November, where he aims to rejoin Gilas Pilipinas.
“Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan ako exactly makakabalik. Hopefully, ‘yun din gusto ko malaman. Taking it day by day,” he said.
“Hopefully soon. Syempre kahit sino naman gusto makalaro ng mas maaga pero di ko minamadali.”
Sotto also expressed regret over not being able to join Gilas—even in a non-playing capacity—in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers, as his rehab remains top priority.
“Hindi ako makakasama kasi kailangan ko ituloy ‘yung rehab ko,” he shared.
“Soon, pinapapunta na rin ako ng team ko sa Japan. So di talaga makakasama sa Gilas.”
While his return date remains uncertain, Sotto is staying patient and optimistic. His sights are set on being healthy enough to suit up later this year—just in time to bolster Gilas in a crucial stretch of their international campaign.
The post Kai Sotto stays focused on recovery first appeared on Fastbreak.
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