Gilas stint boosts Kai Sotto confidence ahead of B.League season

Gilas Pilipinas big man Kai Sotto playing for his new team Koshigaya Alphas in the Japan B.League Divison 2. –@KoshigayaAlphas

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto is eager to bring his Gilas Pilipinas experience to newly promoted Division 1 team Koshigaya Alphas in the 2024-25 Japan B.League season, which opens on October 3.

The 7-foot-3 center knew that Koshigaya was the right destination for him to start fresh, seeking to help the Alphas in their B1 debut after reaching the B2 finals and getting their promotion to the top-tier league in Japan this year.

“I think Koshigaya had the best offer and they had the best plan for me. So yeah, I talked to the GM and the head coach. And I really liked what they told me. That’s why I went to Koshigaya,” said Sotto in the B.League’s online media availability on Thursday.

READ: Kai Sotto continues to shine in B.League return after Gilas stint

After playing for Hiroshima and Yokohama in his first two B.League stints, Sotto is eager to grow with his teammates, who have been “fun to be around and great guys”, making his transition easier. 

“I’ve been here for a month, played a couple of games already and we’re still not in our best shape yet. We still have to work on our chemistry and everything,” he said. “We still got time before the season starts. It will be a challenging year but I trust my teammates and they all work hard. It’s gonna be a fun season.”

Kai Sotto playing for his new team Koshigaya Alphas in the Japan B.League Divison 2. –@KoshigayaAlphas

The 22-year-old Sotto, who had a rib injury during the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July, said he’s “completely healthy” and can’t wait to share his Gilas experience with the Alphas. 

“I just have to continue working, I think, the confidence that I gained from the past OQT. That really helped me a lot coming to the season. I also have a big responsibility in this team this year. I’m really excited,” said Sotto. “I’m up for the challenge, so it’s gonna be a big year for me this year and also for the team, especially this team came from B2, so there’s a certain expectation. It’s gonna be challenging, but it’s gonna be fun.”

READ: B.League: Kai Sotto joins B1 team Koshigaya Alphas

Sotto, a former NBA draft aspirant and Australia’s National Basketball League ex-import, averaged 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game with Yokohama last season.

Despite the experience he will be bringing to the former B2 team, the Filipino basketball star remains hungry to take his game to the next level.

“I’m still far from complete. I still have to keep on working, especially, you know, my body and  I still have to get stronger, faster and it’s gotta get better every day so I can help my team win,” Sotto said. 

Sotto and Koshigaya open their season on October 5 against the Alvark Tokyo.