By MARK REY MONTEJO
Japan B.League is extending its reach for aspiring players across Asia as it added more countries to be eligible for a special quota starting next season.
The Japanese league announced Wednesday, June 26, that it added Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and India to its list of partner countries in the region.
China, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines are the first five countries that were granted the said allocation.
“The Japan Professional Basketball League is pleased to announce that it has decided to expand the Asia special quota for the 2024-25 season,” B.League wrote in its statement.
“The new quota includes Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, and together with the existing quota for China, Chinese Taipei, Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the Asia special Quota will apply to players with nationalities from a total of 13 countries and regions,” the post added.
Started in 2020-21 season, the Asia special quota’s objective is to improve the players’ level of competitiveness that will help them reach global standards while also promoting the cagefest in the region.
The Philippines has brought numerous talented players in Japan, including Gilas mainstays Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Matthew Wright, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Kiefer Ravena and his brother Thirdy, who recently won the inaugural B.League Impressive Asia Player of the Year plum.
Thirdy, 27, is the first-ever Asian player in B.League after signing with the NeoPhoenix in 2020.
