Sotto eyes return in two weeks’ time

YOUNG Filipino big man Kai Sotto is expected to finally see action in two weeks after recovering from a back injury that has kept him out of action for the 2023-24 Japan B.League season.

But the 7-foot-3 Sotto will be playing for his new team Yokohama B-Corsairs instead.

Kai Sotto (right). FIBA PHOTO 

Sotto’s agent, Tony Ronzone of Wasserman Sports Management, said the former Batang Gilas slotman was recently “traded” by Hiroshima to Yokohama.

“Yes sir, he’s healthy and ready to go and will play for Yokohama in two weeks,” was Ronzone’s short response to The Manila Times when asked for an update on Sotto.

Sotto last saw action for Gilas Pilipinas during the Philippine team’s emphatic 95-76 rout of Asian powerhouse China to put a strong end to the host country’s 2023 FIBA World Cup hosting at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

From there, he has yet to see action for the Hiroshima Dragonflies this season in Japan before finally getting traded to Yokohama.

The B-Corsairs are currently fifth in the standings of the Central division with their 9-12 win-loss record.

If healthy, Sotto could add size, inside scoring and a good shot-blocking presence for Yokohama, which currently has Japanese playmaker Yuki Kawamura leading the way in scoring with 24.4 points, along with 6.1 assists.

Sotto could pair with American import Josh Scott, who averages 6.2 points and 8.0 rebounds for the B-Corsairs this season.