Sotto signs with Altiri Chiba in B.League

MANILA, Philippines — Kai Sotto is staying put in Japan. 

The 7-foot-3 big man has signed a contract with the Altiri Chiba, the B.Legaue team announced Thursday.

Following stints with the Hiroshima Dragonflies, the Yokohama B-Corsairs and the Koshigaya Alphas, Sotto will now suit up for Altiri, which won just 19 games last season.

The 24-year-old is set to make his debut with Chiba on October 3 against the Kawasaki Brave Thunders.  

“I'm looking forward to joining the club Altiri Chiba. I'm very excited to meet the team, Coach Andrej [Lemanis], the staff, my teammates, and the fans!” Sotto said in a statement published on the team’s website. 

“I'll do everything I can to help this team win and achieve great things this season.” 

Sotto did not sign a contract with Koshigaya back in May as he tried to get to the US NCAA. 

Altiri CEO and representative Yoshihide Arai, for his part, said he is delighted to welcome Sotto to the team.

“He is a big man who combines imposing 220cm stature with a soft touch around the rim and the passing vision to bring his teammates into the game,” he said in Japanese in a statement, as translated by Google. 

“His physical gifts and the experience he has gained competing in the B1 League will undoubtedly be vital assets as the team prepares to compete in the B.PREMIER,” he added. 

“I am personally excited to see the kind of impact a player with his experience competing on the global stage with the Philippine national team will bring to Altiri Chiba. We look forward to your continued passionate support.”