The Japan Professional Basketball League (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Chairman: Shinji Shimada, hereinfollowing “B.LEAGUE”) is an East Asia Super League (hereinfollowing “B.LEAGUE”) in which Utsunomiya Brex and Ryukyu Golden Kings participate. EASL”) The first day of the “EASL Champions Week” tournament was held today, March 1 (Wednesday), and the Utsunomiya Brex played the first match of the group stage.
The Ryukyu Golden Kings will face San Miguel Biahmen (PBA (Philippines) 1st place) in their first group stage match tomorrow, March 2nd (Thursday) at 19:30 at Nikkan Arena.
[Date and Time]March 1, 2023 (Water) 19:30TIPOFF
[Venue]Nikkan Arena (Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)
[Result]Utsunomiya Brex (B.LEAGUE (Japan) 1st) 〇 99 – 66 ● TNT Tropan Giga (PBA (Philippines) 2nd)
[Box score]https://www.bleague.jp/files/user/_/easl/2023-champions-week/pdf/game2.pdf
With B.LEAGUE going into a break for the Japan national team match, we had some time to practice. I’ve been practicing with the aim of improving the combination of Josh (Scott) and Grant (Jarrett), creating a fighting style centered on that, and making the most of it in the future B.LEAGUE, and today I’m in good shape. I was able to get it out. When I told the team that I wanted them to hit outside shots as hard as they might, I am satisfied with the fact that the Japanese players and Yang (Jaemin) scored well.
In the first defense, my opponent #0 Jaylen Hudson made more shots than I expected. The players kept their defense thinking that they would miss the ball at this level, but it is not easy for players with high individual skills. From the 2nd quarter onwards, I think we were able to reduce the number of shots as we tried to close the gaps in defense. I was able to get the rebound overall, and it turned out to be a good game.
We will fight hard next time so that we can advance to the final round in Okinawa. The Bay Area Dragons are a really strong team, so I want to challenge them once more.
(Regarding 5/9 3-point shots, 17 points) I had to get used to a ball that was different from B.LEAGUE, so I practiced a lot of shooting before this tournament, so I feel good regarding shooting. Well done. I thought that the opponents didn’t know much regarding our play, so I thought that the first impact was very important.
During this break, each and every one of us reviewed our regular season tasks and practiced while thinking regarding how we would be in good shape when we played in the game. It took shape in today’s match, and I was able to realize that the team has changed. I believe that if I continue to improve, I will be able to continue this tournament and the regular season that follows.
TNT was a team with really high individual skills, but I think we did what we were supposed to do from the start. Looking ahead to the next game, we will prepare well and do our best to make the game as good as it was today. thank you very much.
[Schedule/Venue]
March 1st (Wednesday) to March 3rd (Friday), 2023: Nikkan Arena Tochigi
March 4th (Sat) – March 5th (Sun), 2023: Okinawa Arena
[Participating teams]
Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE (Japan) 2nd), Anyang KGC (KBL (Korea) 2nd), San Miguel Biermen (PBA (Philippines) 1st), Fubon Braves (P.LEAGUE+ (Chinese Taipei) )
Utsunomiya Brex (B.LEAGUE (Japan) No. 1), Seoul SK Knights (KBL (Korea) No. 1), TNT Tropan Giga (PBA (Philippines) No. 2), Bay Area Dragons (home to the Philippines)
[Match schedule]
| No. | schedule | time | home | away | group/round | venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 1 (Water) | 17:00 | Fubon Braves | Anyang KGC | Group A | Nikkan Arena Tochigi |
| 2 | 19:30 | Utsunomiya Brex | TNT Tropan Giga | Group B | ||
| 3 | Thursday, March 2 | 17:00 | Seoul SK Knights | bay area dragons | Group B | Nikkan Arena Tochigi |
| 4 | 19:30 | Ryukyu Golden Kings | san miguel viamen | Group A | ||
| 5 | March 3 (gold) | 17:00 | TNT Tropan Giga | Seoul SK Knights | Group B | Nikkan Arena Tochigi |
| 6 | 19:30 | Utsunomiya Brex | bay area dragons | Group B | ||
| 7 | Saturday, March 4th | 16:00 | Anyang KGC | san miguel viamen | Group A | okinawa arena |
| 8 | 19:00 | Ryukyu Golden Kings | Fubon Braves | Group A | ||
| 9 | March 5 (Sun) | 16:00 | Group A 2nd | Group B 2nd | 3rd place match | okinawa arena |
| 10 | 19:00 | Group A 1st place | Group B 1st place | Final game |
[Tournament-related site]
EASL official website: https://easl.basketball/
B.LEAGUE Official Website: https://www.bleague.jp/easl/2023-champions-week/