Like everyone else, Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Justin Brownlee was saddened to hear about the serious knee injury suffered by his teammate Kai Sotto.
Philippine basketball fans’ worst fears came true on Wednesday after Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto announced on social media that he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee and was out indefinitely.
Footage of Sotto crumpling to the floor in a non-contact injury sustained in the first quarter of a B.League game last Sunday made the rounds on news feeds, sparking concern among fans about the prized center’s status not just for the upcoming February window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, but for the FIBA Asia Cup in August as well.
“The worst way to start the year, might be the darkest day of my basketball career, when I was told I tore my ACL,” Kai posted on his Instagram page. “Tough to let this one 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 just have to keep going.”
It’s indeed a devastating development for the seven-foot-three Sotto, who had been averaging 15.5 points and 12.5 rebounds for Gilas in the qualifiers. He looked particularly spectacular against New Zealand in last November’s window, putting up 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists as the Philippines beat the Tall Blacks for the first time in an official FIBA game.
It’s also a tough break for Gilas, which although has already qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup, will most likely have to go into battle in Jeddah without their tallest player. Gilas coach Tim Cone has said he will most probably tap Japeth Aguilar once again to fill the void. Aguilar has played in the last two windows owing to the absence of AJ Edu.
But while Kai waits to have surgery on his knee before beginning what is expected to be a grueling rehabilitation program, he can take solace from the support he received from Gilas naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
“Yeah, that’s definitely a tough blow for the team, and personally for Kai,” Brownlee said to a group of reporters Wednesday night after Barangay Ginebra’s loss to the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup. “I can only imagine what he’s going through, but definitely sending prayers to him. Hopefully, he can keep his high spirits up and, just get well soon and get through his injury. I hope his surgery goes well and the rehab process and everything goes well.”
The good news, if there is any when it comes to an ACL injury, is that Kai Sotto is only 22 years old. Brownlee is confident his Gilas teammate has plenty of time to recover and come back.
“We all love Kai and we’ve obviously seen what he’s been doing for Filipino basketball and on Gilas, so I hope he gets well soon,” Brownlee said. “(I’m) praying for him and I still see a great future and what he can bring to the table. (It’s) just another setback before a major comeback.”
We’re all rooting for you, Kai.
Banner images from FIBA.