January 23, 2026

Kai Sotto cleared to return as Koshigaya Alphas removes big man from injury list

Kai Sotto cleared to return as Koshigaya Alphas removes big man from injury list
Kai Sotto has been cleared for his comeback following recovery from an ACL injury. | Photo: Japan B.LEAGUE

Kai Sotto is set to return to action for the Koshigaya Alphas after being officially removed from the team’s injury list, the club announced Friday.

“Thank you for your continued support of the Koshigaya Alphas. We are pleased to announce that we have removed #11 Kai Sotto from the injury list,” the team said in a statement.

Sotto later confirmed the update on social media, posting photos in a Koshigaya jersey and writing, “Year 5. I’m back. #comebackyear.”

The 23-year-old Filipino center has been sidelined for nearly a year after sustaining an ACL injury early in 2025. 

He underwent surgery and continued his rehabilitation in both Japan and the Philippines before rejoining team practices in recent months. Sotto was also named to the B.League All-Star roster but chose to skip the event as part of his recovery process.

[ALSO READ: Kai Sotto to skip Japan B.LEAGUE Asia All-Star Game as ACL recovery continues]

Now in his third year with Koshigaya and fifth season playing overseas, Sotto’s return comes as the Alphas sit 20th in the Japan B.League standings with a 10–20 record.

His comeback is also a boost for Gilas Pilipinas, as the national program continues to track his availability.

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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.

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