Kai Sotto Reflects with Optimism as B.League Season Wraps Up

ALWAYS be grateful, regardless of what happened. That’s what Filipino big man Kai Sotto showed on social media after the Koshigaya Alphas officially ended their 2024-2025 Japan B.League season. 

In the extremely tough Japan basketball season, Koshigaya finished with a 19-41 win-loss record, good for the 20th seed after the regular season, and won 11 games without Sotto in the paint. 

This comes after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee on January 6, an injury that most athletes would avoid due to the physical and mental challenges it presents for recovery.

Nevertheless, Sotto expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he gained with how the 2024-2025 B.League season turned out, despite the fact that it was intended to be his best season yet.

All Positive, Always Grateful

Despite the awful start to his 2025, where he began dominating the basketball scene, the Gilas Pilipinas member looked back with his head held high, staying positive despite the tough path to recovery that he is currently on.

“Now the season’s officially over. I want to thank God for this year of basketball. Only played half of the season because of my ACL injury, but still had so many memorable moments,” Sotto started his post.

“I always remind myself that there’s always so much to be thankful for. I want to thank my coaches, staff, teammates for helping and trusting me,” he added.

Aside from missing most of the season in Japan, Sotto also passed up his duties with the Gilas Pilipinas during the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, in which the national team lost both games. 

Prior to his ACL injury, he was averaging 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game for Koshigaya, which was described to be the first time he felt comfortable playing.

“First time in my professional career where I felt like I can be myself and play my game, and everyone around me helped and gave me confidence,” the 7-foot-3 big man went on to say.

Just A Road Bump

For an athlete of Sotto’s caliber, who is always expected to generate tremendous numbers and have positive turnouts on every team he plays for, a major setback like this will be detrimental. 

However, with the help of Alphas fans and the crowd that has rallied behind him back home, this road bump will be nothing compared to the hurdles and pressure he has encountered during his basketball career.

“To the Alphas fans, you guys have been there from start to finish. From me playing on the court, to sitting in the sidelines cheering for my teammates, the fans never changed the way they loved and supported me,” he said.

“This season I felt I was getting to that next big step, but I hit a big road bump. But it won’t stop me from working because I know God has a better plan for me. TYL 4th season. The journey continues,” he added.

Despite being sidelined as a result of an unfortunate injury, which prevented him from making a bigger impact this year, his dream of being the first native Filipino in the NBA continues.