Gilas Pilipinas sends well wishes to Kai Sotto after ACL injury

FILE–AJ Edu and Kai Sotto during Gilas Pilipinas’ Fiba World Cup stint. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The camaraderie of Gilas Pilipinas showed up big after its star big man Kai Sotto suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury over the weekend.

On Wednesday at Philsports Arena, Gilas members on the Ginebra side sent their warm regards and well wishes to the young Sotto even after absorbing a narrow loss at the hands of Northport in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

READ: Kai Sotto laments ‘darkest day’ after ACL injury

“I can only imagine what he’s going through, but [I’m] definitely sending prayers to him. Hopefully, he can keep his high spirits up, just get well soon and get through his injury,” said naturalized Gilas key cog Justin Brownlee.

“We all love Kai and we’ve obviously seen what he’s been doing for Philippine basketball and for Gilas. [I] hope he gets well soon. [I’m] praying for him.”

Japeth Aguilar, another longtime Ginebra member and Gilas reserve player, also sent his encouraging message to his fellow big man in the National team.

“He’s in a hard time right now but all I can say is, he’s still young,” said the Gin Kings big.

READ; Kai Sotto flaunts consistency, maturity in latest Gilas stint

“Always trust in the Lord, have faith because He has plans for you. Keep your spirits up and you will be back stronger,” added Aguilar as a message to the former Ateneo high school sensation.

Sotto delivered his injury diagnosis to the public via Instagram post, revealing a torn ACL sustained over the weekend.

Sotto referred to it as “the worst way to start the year.”

In that same post, Gilas mainstays June Mar Fajardo and Chris Newsome also sent their regards to the Koshigaya Alphas’ Filipino import.

Fajardo sent three prayer emojis Sotto’s way while Newsome sent a simple “get well soon, my brotha!” to the 22-year-old swingman.

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, though, Cone was also mum on the big man’s status with the Gilas Pilipinas after the injury.