Kai Sotto posts back-to-back double-doubles in B.League return

A week can make all the difference in the life of an athlete. For Kai Sotto, the journey back from ACL surgery has been a painstaking mix of doubt, sweat, and incremental progress—but this past weekend offered a glimpse of what determination can achieve.

The 7-foot-3 Gilas Pilipinas center posted consecutive double-doubles for the Koshigaya Alphas, with his Sunday performance standing out: 20 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and a block, helping Koshigaya edge Levanga Hokkaido 81-80. 

The victory was more than a narrow win—it ended Hokkaido’s 13-game home winning streak and came against the top team in the Eastern Conference.

Just a day earlier, Sotto had already hinted at a resurgence, tallying 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in an 88-81 loss to Hokkaido. “Right now I feel like I’m rock-bottom and but the only way is up. I can’t stop,” he admitted candidly after the game. 

“I just need more reps, more games and once I get in game shape, I think I’ll be good again. But it’s a difficult task and I’m taking it day by day.”

The difference between Saturday and Sunday wasn’t just in the numbers—it was in the aura of confidence Sotto carried onto the court. 

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◤ KAI SOTTO is BACK‼︎ ◢

昨日の北海道戦にて
#11 カイ・ソット選手がB1個人通算1,000得点を達成しました@kzsottolive
Congratulations,Kaiju‼︎

そして北海道戦でのスタッツは

[1/31(土)| GAME1 ]
29分09秒出場
14PTS 10REB 6AS 1ST 3BS

[2/1(日) | GAME2 ]
29分11秒出場
20PTS… pic.twitter.com/Kkt6IgCEFp

— 越谷アルファーズ (@KoshigayaAlphas) February 1, 2026

Whereas Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos had torched the Alphas in the first game, Sotto anchored both ends of the floor in the rematch, neutralizing Ramos entirely and guiding Koshigaya to a morale-boosting triumph. 

The win nudged the Alphas’ season record to 13-22, while Hokkaido suffered its ninth defeat in 35 outings.

Beyond the stat sheet, the weekend signaled a psychological turning point for Sotto. After months of rehab, training, and self-doubt, the 20-year-old showed that momentum is built not in one grand leap but in consistent, determined steps forward.

For Sotto, the climb isn’t over, and the FIBA window later this month looms as another test. But the weekend offered something concrete: proof that even when confidence hits rock bottom, persistence, patience, and opportunity can quickly transform struggle into impact.

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