Kai Sotto will sit out the 2026 Japan B.LEAGUE Asia All-Star Game in Nagasaki as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL sustained in January last year.
Kai Sotto will not take part in the 2026 Japan B.LEAGUE Asia All-Star Game in Nagasaki as he continues his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The 7-foot-3 center, who has been making great strides in his recovery, remains in non-contact training, prioritizing his rehabilitation rather than rushing a return for the annual exhibition event.
Sotto has been sidelined since January 2025, when he suffered an ACL injury while playing for the Koshigaya Alphas during their B.LEAGUE match against the SeaHorses Mikawa.
The injury occurred after Sotto fell awkwardly to his knees during the contest.
[ALSO READ: Injury-hit Kai Sotto stays thankful after B.LEAGUE season ends — ‘It won’t stop me from working’]
Even with Sotto out, several Filipino hoopers are set to compete in the All-Star Game, including Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks Jr., Kiefer Ravena, and AJ Edu.
Francis Lopez will also be in Nagasaki to compete in the Relive Dunk Contest.
The B.LEAGUE All-Star Game Weekend will run from January 16-18.
—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.