A major changing of the guard is unfolding in Japan for three of Philippine basketball’s biggest overseas names.
After the close of the 2025-26 B.League season, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Kiefer Ravena, and Kai Sotto have all officially parted ways with their respective clubs, bringing simultaneous endings to three high-profile Filipino stints in Japanese basketball.
For years, the trio represented part of the growing Filipino wave in the B.League — recognizable names carrying both pedigree and pressure while carving out careers abroad. Now, all three head into uncertain but intriguing new chapters.
Among the three teams, Yokohama B-Corsairs posted the strongest finish with a 26-34 record, placing 15th overall. Ravena remained one of the team’s stabilizing pieces throughout the campaign, averaging 11.9 points and 3.2 assists in what ultimately became his final season with the club.
“Thank you very much, Yokohama, for being my home for the past two years. It was amazing playing in front of the B-COR Boosters, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys again soon!” shared Ravena.
Meanwhile, Osaka Evessa closed its season at 23-37 despite another productive campaign from Parks, who averaged 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
“Thank you, Osaka, for embracing me from day one. The love and support from this city, the fans, and the community meant everything to me. I’m grateful to have worn this jersey and to have been accepted as one of your own. Osaka will always have a special place in my heart,” expressed Parks.
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Filipino imports Kai Sotto, Kiefer Ravena, and Ray Parks Jr. left their respective clubs in the Japan B. League following the expiration of their contracts at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
7-foot-3 center Sotto ended his two-year stint with the Koshigaya Alphas while fellow… pic.twitter.com/dGuBZFkUBS
— GMA News (@gmanews) May 12, 2026
Despite their exits, both Ravena and Parks are widely expected to remain in Japan, with reports indicating new B.League destinations may already be lined up pending official announcements.
The situation surrounding Sotto, however, carries a different level of intrigue.
Koshigaya Alphas endured a difficult season and finished 19th with a 21-39 record, but Sotto still managed to leave a strong impression after returning from injury in January.
The 7-foot-2 center averaged 13.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 28 games, showing flashes of the versatility and mobility that continue to attract international interest.
“I’m really thankful to the Alphas community for the two years I’ve spent here. Uehara-san and Ryuzo-san, thank you for giving me the chance to showcase what I can do, as well as another opportunity after I suffered a midseason ACL injury and for offering me the chance to come back for another year. Koshigaya will always have a special place in my heart. Right now, the future is still uncertain, but the Alphas family will forever be remembered by me,” shared Sotto.
Unlike Ravena and Parks, whose next stops may still remain inside the B.League, Sotto’s path could potentially stretch beyond Japan.
The Filipino big man is expected to pursue an opportunity in the NBA Summer League this July, with several offers reportedly already on the table as he weighs the next move of his still-evolving career.
For now, though, one thing is clear: three familiar Filipino faces who helped strengthen the country’s presence in Japan are officially turning the page together.
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