B.League boom: Coach cites culture, fans as key to Japan appeal

B.League imports including Filipino starrs Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena and Dwight Ramos during the B.League All-Stars game. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

MACAU—Utsunomiya coach Zico Coronel may have a clear idea why Japan’s B.League has become the biggest market for Filipino imports in recent years.

Following the Brex’s 85-64 rout of the New Taipei Kings at Tap Seac Multi-sports Pavilion on Wednesday night in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Finals, Coronel pointed to the league’s many positives and why it continues to attract players from across Asia, particularly the Philippines.

READ: Thirdy Ravena hopes to see more Filipinos play in Japan B.League

“There are some great imports, Filipino players, present on almost all of the teams now,” he told the Inquirer.

“I think the reason the Japan B.League is growing so much is because of the [quality of life] there. Every day we feel very privileged to be [in a] wonderful country with a wonderful culture.”

The trend began when Thirdy Ravena signed with the San-En NeoPhoenix in 2020.

What followed was a steady influx of Filipino players into Japan’s top professional league.

From the outside, it’s easy to assume these players moved for the spotlight, the money and everything that comes with it.

What many overlook, however, is the fan culture—something Coronel described as unlike anything he has experienced.

“The fans in Japan are incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it. They support so unconditionally.

“In a lot of places around the world, if your coaching doesn’t go well, they’ll abuse you. Japan is not like that, even if we play badly.”

Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido during a game in the Japan B.League. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

As of writing, seven Filipino imports are playing in the B.League: Kai Sotto (Koshigaya Alphas), Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido), Kiefer Ravena (Yokohama B-Corsairs), AJ Edu (Gunma Crane Thunders), Ray Parks Jr. (Osaka Evessa), Francis Lopez (FE Nagoya) and Quentin Millora-Brown (Chiba Jets).

“The professionalism of the league and the clubs is very high. They really tick all the boxes and make for a good life,” Coronel added.

If Coronel’s words weren’t enough, the current state of the EASL Finals serves as further proof of the B.League’s dominance.

In the semifinals of the regional tournament, three of the four remaining teams are from Japan—Utsunomiya, the Ryukyu Golden Kings and Alvark Tokyo.

The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots of Taiwan’s P. League+ are the lone non-B.League contender.