Filipino big man Kai Sotto reflected on his fourth season in the pros which hit a snag due to an ACL injury.
Kai Sotto looked back on a bittersweet season for the Koshigaya Alphas in the Japan B. League after he was forced to end his year early due to an ACL injury earlier this year.
The Alphas officially wrapped up their B. League season on Sunday.
Playing only half the season before Sotto suffered a season-ending injury at the turn of the New Year on January 5, the big man spoke about watching the season from the sidelines, and how he stayed thankful despite everything.
“I want to thank God for this year of basketball. Only played half of the season because of my ACL injury, but [I] still had so many memorable moments,” Sotto wrote on social media.
“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.”
Regardless of how the year turned out personally, Sotto said that he felt at home with his team in Koshigaya. He also spoke about his experience with the fans.
“[This is the] 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,” said Sotto.
“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 added.
For Sotto, the dream still doesn’t stop here as he remains chasing his dream of being the first homegrown Filipino in the NBA. Now half a decade into the professional basketball scene, Sotto said that the injury did hit him at an ill-advised time.
Sotto was growing into a formidable center for the Alphas and was seeing consistent playing time. The injury also forced Sotto out of the national team for the time being.
Still, Sotto remained positive in looking towards the future. At 22-years-old, Sotto believes there is much more left in the horizon.
“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.” he said.
Sotto’s Alphas finished the season with a 19-41 slate and were ranked 20th in the B. League.