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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kai Sotto raring to get back but staying patient in recovery

Kai Sotto raring to get back but staying patient in recovery

Published Nov 21, 2025 12:36 pm  |  Updated Nov 21, 2025 01:49 pm

At A Glance

  • Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto admitted that he has been raring to get back to top shape and join the national team although he is staying patient with his recovery from his knee injury.
Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto admitted that he has been raring to get back to top shape and join the national team although he is staying patient with his recovery from his knee injury.
The 7-foot-3 center said he is still feeling some pain on his left knee although he has been cleared to do some training – particularly with the rehab and strengthening of his left knee which suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Sotto has been attending Gilas practice although he was limited to non-contact training.
“Ok naman minsan, ok minsan sakto lang pero getting better naman,” said Sotto after doing some shootaround at the end of Gilas practice at the Upper Deck Gym Thursday, Nov. 20.
Sotto is expected to join the national team in its closed door camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna and when the team departs for Guam for its Nov. 28 away game.
“Hindi pa ako pwede mag-join sa team practices pero may mga sariling program na ako pagdating sa board, sa weight room, sa rehab part,” explained Sotto, who missed the national team campaign in the FIBA ASia Cup
“Pero hindi pa ako pwede sa team practices pero kahit papaano gusto ko pa rin makatulong sa mga teammate ko at coach team,” he added.
Sotto said it’s been a tough road so far, especially seeing his teammates in practice and wanting to join the team.
“Not to say na gigil pero Iba yung feelings. Mula nung na-injured ako. Kaya yung parang inisip ko kung ano yung pakiramdam pag nakalaro ulit ako,” admitted Sotto.
“As much as possible nga. Ayoko nanonood ng practice kasi mas naiingit ako. Pero yun. Pag nanonood ng practice with the team dito, mas nagaganahan ako mag-rehab,” he added.
The target for Sotto is to get back into action by January.
“Hopefully walang maging setback or anything. Sana smooth pa rin,” he added.
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