OKINAWA, Japan — With over half of the team made up of Filipino imports, Dwight Ramos was named captain of the Asia All-Star team for the 2024 Japan B.League All-Star weekend.
The Asian Quota Players will face the young bloods of B1 and B2, the B.League Rising Stars led by center Koya Kawamata on Saturday, at 12:15 PM, Filipino time, at the Okinawa Arena.
Ravena brothers see action
The Levanga Hokkaido playmaker, an All-Star third-timer, is joined by fellow Pinoys Thirdy Ravena of San-En, Kiefer Ravena of Shiga, Matthew Wright of Kyoto, Ray Parks Jr. of Nagoya, and Kai Sotto of Yokohama.
RJ Abarrientos of the Shinshu Brave Warriors will also suit up for the All-Star Weekend for the first time after making the jump from the Korean Basketball League in 2023.
Ryukyu’s Carl Tamayo is also expected to put on a show in his team’s hometown, after a career-high performance in the East Asia Super League.
Adams, Slaughter in All-Star, too
Other Filipino imports include Roosevelt Adams of Yamagata and Greg Slaughter of Zephyr Fukuoka.
Yang Jae-min of Sendai, Chang Mikuk of Nagasaki, and Shenze Lee of Fukushima were among the seven non-Pinoy members of the squad.
Meanwhile, Allen Hachimura, brother of Rui, of Gunma Crane, will see action beside Hiyu Watanabe of Ryuku Goldden Kings, and Soi Inoue of Koshigaya to lead the Rising Stars.
Last year, Ramos failed to join the Asian Quota squad due to injury.
B.League will also host a dunk contest, G-SHOCK skills challenge, and three-point contest during the All-Star weekend.
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