It seemed like Kai Sotto is staying at the Japan B.League after signing with a newly promoted Division 1 team Koshigaya Alphas, the team announced on Friday, June 21.

Initially reported to be resuming his chase for his NBA dream, Sotto is set to serve as the Alphas import for the 2024-25 season following a stellar year with Yokohama B-Corsairs last season.

“We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Kai Sotto on a new player contract for the 2024-25 season,” the team said in a statement.

“Despite being just 22 years old, this big man from the Philippines is attracting attention from around the world and will be the new guardian of the Alphas,” it added.

Sotto showed vast improvements in his second year in the B.League, particularly when he was loaned by the Hiroshima Dragonflies to Yokohama, averaging 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

He had a career-high 28 points in scoring and twice recorded a career-best rebounding of 14 points. He also had two eight-straight games finishing in double-figures in scoring and had eight double-double games through 39 contests for Yokohama.

Possible moves on Sotto’s efforts to make it to the NBA are still up in the air although the 7-foot-2 center already expressed his excitement in joining his new team in the B.League.

“I'm very excited to join the Koshigaya Alphas! Coming from B2, I know this team wants to prove that they belong in the B1 so I'm really up for the challenge to help this team win games and reach the next level,” he said.

“I wanna get better and improve my game that's why I chose the Alphas because I know they will really help me,” he added.