GILAS PILIPINAS’ worst fears have come true as big man Kai Sotto has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that has forced him out of action for a long time.
Mr. Sotto, a key figure in the Nationals’ unblemished 4-0 record at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ) last year, vowed to bounce back from this poor spell.
“The worst way to start the year, it would be the darkest day of my basketball career, to be told I tore my ACL,” said Mr. Sotto, who injured his left leg last Sunday in Koshigawa Alphas’ 77. -79 loss to SeaHorses Mikawa in the Japan B.League.
“It’s hard to let it 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 have to move on.”
That’s the same mentality with the Nationals, who will wait patiently for the 22-year-old to recover and return to his top form in due time.
“My heart goes out to him, but Kai (Sotto) is still young and has a lot of basketball ahead of him,” said Gilas coach Tim Cone. A star on Wednesday.
“We will try to continue with the soldier without him while he is being prepared. Without a doubt, he is worth the wait and we will be eagerly awaiting his return,” added Mr Cone.
Neither Mr. Neither Sotto nor Alphas said how long he will be out but typically, an ACL injury lasts six to nine months, depending on several factors.
This means the 7-3-3 player will be out of action for the Nationals in the third and final round of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand next month.
Most likely, he will not be available again for the Asian tournament on August 5 to 7 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Sotto leaves big shoes to fill for Gilas forwards led by June Mar Fajardo and another Japeth Aguilar. Mr. Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 blocks in four appearances for the Nationals in the ACQ win.
Mr. Cone had previously said that Mr. Aguilar will be approached to replace Mr. Sotto. – Olmin Leyba
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