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Tag: B.LEAGUE

  • Mike Phillips begins Japan chapter, signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in B.League 

    Mike Phillips begins Japan chapter, signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in B.League 

    Mike Phillips’ rapid rise has taken him from the UAAP hardwood to the Gilas Pilipinas frontcourt. Now, it has opened the door to one of Asia’s top professional leagues.

     

    The 24-year-old Filipino-American forward officially signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz for the 2026-27 B.League season, marking another milestone in a career that has gathered momentum over the past year.

     

    The Japanese club announced Phillips’ arrival on Tuesday, making him the latest Filipino talent to continue his development overseas.

     

    “I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kyoto Hannaryz organization and the B.LEAGUE,” said Phillips.

     

    His move became possible after representing Gilas Pilipinas during Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, fulfilling the requirements to compete in the B.League as an Asian Quota player.

     

    Phillips made the most of his opportunity with the national team, averaging 4.0 points and 8.5 rebounds while earning praise for his relentless energy and hustle. Earlier this year, FIBA also granted him local player status, officially clearing him to suit up for the Philippines in international competitions.

     

    Before making the jump overseas, Phillips built an impressive collegiate résumé with De La Salle University.

     

    During his five-year stay with the Green Archers, he helped deliver two UAAP championships and ended his collegiate career on a high note by capturing the Finals MVP award. In his final season, he averaged 12.58 points, 14.58 rebounds, 2.68 assists, and 1.32 steals per contest.

     

    Japan is also familiar territory for Phillips.

     

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    He previously competed there with La Salle during the World University Basketball Series, an experience that left a lasting impression and ultimately made his return even more meaningful.

     

    “During my college years, I had the chance to play in several tournaments in Japan, and those experiences left a strong impression on me. I’m excited to return and experience the passion of basketball in Japan once again,” he recalled.

     

    Phillips also began his professional career with the San Juan Knights in the MPBL, where he averaged 8.4 points and 10.7 rebounds in 10 appearances before deciding to pursue an overseas opportunity.

     

    His family believes the move is another important step in his long-term development.

     

    “The Phillips Family is immensely grateful to everyone from La Salle who has poured knowledge and support into Mike over the years, SBP for allowing the great honor to represent the flag and country, and San Juan Knights for their utmost professionalism and support with this decision,” expressed Mike’s older brother, Ben.

     

    “We believe this will allow Mike to take a great step forward in his career to develop as a player and as a young man, and be able to bring a heightened level of play whenever he is called to serve Gilas, and when he will be able to return to the PBA in the future if hopefully they would accept him.”

     

    Phillips also adds another Filipino connection to the Kyoto franchise, becoming the third Asian Quota player in Hannaryz history after Matthew Wright and Jamie Malonzo.

     

    The Hannaryz are coming off a 28-32 campaign that saw them finish 20th in the 26-team B.League, and Phillips hopes to help the club climb the standings while continuing his own growth as a professional.

     

    “I’m looking forward to giving my all every day alongside my teammates and competing hard for the Kyoto fans and community throughout the season,” expressed Mike, who is represented by Tre Sports Management.

     

    “Thank you very much for your support. I can’t wait to see everyone in Kyoto, and I hope we can have a great season together.”

     

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  • Kiefer Ravena signs with Ryukyu after strong stint with Yokohama 

    Kiefer Ravena signs with Ryukyu after strong stint with Yokohama 

    Kiefer Ravena is no longer just looking to compete in Japan—he’s now putting himself in position to chase a championship.

     

    After spending the last five seasons building his reputation in the B.League, the Filipino playmaker has earned a move to one of the competition’s most successful organizations, signing with the Ryukyu Golden Kings for the 2026-27 campaign.

     

    The Golden Kings officially unveiled Ravena as their newest acquisition on Friday, adding another seasoned floor general to a roster that came within one series of capturing the B.League title last season.

     

    For Ravena, the opportunity represents more than a change of scenery.

     

    It is the reward for years of steady growth since leaving the PBA to test himself overseas.

    “I’m very excited to be part of the Ryukyu Golden Kings,” Ravena said in the team’s official announcement.

     

    “As one of the top organizations in the league, I’ll be ready to do my best to represent the city of Okinawa and the fans of the Kings.”

     

    The move also signals a significant step forward in the 32-year-old’s Japanese career.

     

    Ravena first arrived in the B.League with the Shiga Lakes before establishing himself over the past two seasons as one of the Yokohama B-Corsairs’ most dependable two-way guards.

     

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    Rather than relying solely on scoring, Ravena became known for his versatility, leadership, and ability to impact both ends of the floor—qualities that made him an attractive addition for a championship contender.

     

    Last season, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds while connecting on 37 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc, continuing to prove he could thrive against Japan’s top competition.

     

    Now, those contributions will be directed toward one of the B.League’s elite clubs.

     

    Ryukyu enters the new season with unfinished business after compiling a 42-18 regular-season record before advancing to the league finals, where it settled for a runner-up finish.

     

    The Golden Kings also showcased their strength internationally, placing third in the 2025-26 East Asia Super League.

     

    For Ravena, joining a team with legitimate championship aspirations presents a different kind of challenge from his previous stops.

     

    After years of helping clubs build and compete, he now finds himself in an environment where the expectation isn’t simply making the playoffs—it’s winning the title.

     

    As he prepares for his sixth season in Japan, Ravena takes another important step in a career that continues to evolve beyond Philippine basketball, this time with an opportunity to contribute to one of Asia’s most accomplished professional organizations.

     

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  • B.League brings historic Manila showdown to MOA Arena in 2026 

    B.League brings historic Manila showdown to MOA Arena in 2026 

    The Philippines is set to host a landmark moment in Asian basketball as the B.League stages its first-ever overseas regular season games in Manila this 2026.

     

    Scheduled on September 9 and 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the event marks a major step for the Japanese league as it expands its reach beyond its home country, bringing elite club competition directly to Filipino fans for the very first time.

     

    The showcase, officially branded as the B.LEAGUE MANILA GAMES 2026, will feature a familiar mix of international and Filipino-linked talent. Among those expected to take center stage are Gilas Pilipinas Men standouts Dwight Ramos, suiting up for Levanga Hokkaido, and AJ Edu, who will play for Gunma Crane Thunders—setting up a unique crossover where national team teammates turn opponents on the club stage.

     

    The timing of the event also carries symbolic weight, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines. Organizers say the games are not only about basketball, but also about celebrating a growing sporting and cultural bridge between the two nations.

     

    The B.League emphasized that the Philippines was a natural choice for its first overseas venture due to the deep connection already formed through Filipino players competing in Japan under the Asia Special Quota system.

     

    “We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball. The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us,” said B.League chairman Shinji Shimada.

     

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    “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in the Philippine basketball community for their tremendous support in making this project possible, as well as to all the players who have served as bridges between our two nations.”

     

    Shimada also pointed to the significance of holding the games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a venue etched in basketball history after hosting the Final phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

     

    “The games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a very special venue that hosted the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena,” he added.

     

    “We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand.”

     

    With anticipation already building, the Manila Games are shaping up not just as a basketball event, but as a historic meeting point of two basketball-loving nations sharing one stage.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena headline B.League’s Manila return as Japan league deepens PH connection 

    Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena headline B.League’s Manila return as Japan league deepens PH connection 

    The Japan B.League is no longer just exporting basketball games to the Philippines — it is steadily building a basketball culture around its growing Filipino fanbase.

     

    For the second straight year, the league is bringing its Finals Week to Manila, turning the country into an extension of its postseason stage while showcasing the Filipino players who have helped strengthen the B.League’s presence locally.

     

    Set from May 21 to 24 at SM Megamall, the event goes beyond simply airing the B.League Finals on a giant screen. It serves as a celebration of the league’s expanding relationship with Philippine basketball, fueled heavily by the success and popularity of its Filipino imports.

     

    Leading the expected guest lineup are some of the most recognizable overseas Filipino players today — Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido, Ray Parks Jr. of Osaka Evessa, Francis Lopez of Fighting Eagles Nagoya, and Kiefer Ravena of the Yokohama B-Corsairs.

     

    Their attendance highlights how deeply intertwined Filipino talent has become with the Japanese league in recent years.

     

    What started with a few pioneering imports has now evolved into a steady pipeline of Filipino players making meaningful impacts overseas, while simultaneously helping the B.League gain traction among basketball fans back home.

     

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    This year’s Finals Week also expands beyond fan interaction.

     

    Alongside the Finals watch party, the league will once again stage the B.Hope Asia Jr. Clinic as part of its grassroots efforts in the region. Young players will also get the chance to compete in the B.Hope Asia 1-on-1 Challenge featuring under-14 standouts from northern and southern Manila.

     

    The timing of the Manila festivities also comes with added intrigue as the B.League championship picture nears its conclusion.

     

    As of writing, Quentin Millora-Brown remains the lone Filipino import still alive in the title race with the Chiba Jets, keeping local representation active deep into the playoffs.

     

    Still in contention as well are the Nagasaki Velca, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, and Ryukyu Golden Kings.

     

    Meanwhile, AJ Edu and the Gunma Crane Thunders saw their campaign end in the quarterfinals after a tough three-game series loss to Chiba.

     

    Even with some Filipino stars already eliminated, the Manila event reinforces one thing clearly: the connection between Philippine basketball and the B.League continues to grow stronger with every season.

     

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