THE rapid growth of the Japan B.League is noticed not just in the Philippines but by other domestic leagues in Asia as well, and many attribute it to the league opening its doors to multiple imports to compete with local talent.
Asked about the B.League’s format during their recent conquest of the East Asia Super League in Lapu-Lapu City, Chiba Jets coach John Patrick agreed that it multiple imports brings a higher level of competition to the local talent.
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Patrick said it is not just exclusive to Japan but also in Germany where he also spent time coaching.
“This is a big question,” said Patrick, when asked by a Korean journalist during the EASL. “We had this situation before in Germany. Before, we only had two foreigners on the court and the German league did not approve. But now, there are six Americans on the court.”
“Also in Japan, there used to be one. Now, we have three on a team. I think it makes the domestic players have to perform at a higher level. If you can compete against Americans, no excuses, there’s more competition.”
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The B.League is widely credited for the improvement of the Japan national team. The Akatsuki Five recently had a landmark achievement when they beat China for the first time in 88 years during the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.
“The more they play against the best competition, the better they get,” said Patrick.
Leagues under the EASL have different policies on imports. The PBA has one import per team, while the Korean Basketball League has two but can only play one at a time. The P.League+ has three imports per team but only two can play at the same time.
The B.League, Patrick said, is contemplating on changing its policy on imports by allowing a fourth import for each team.
Patrick said the upcoming ruling will further improve Japanese players in the long run.
“I think that has helped the B.League and I think the B.League is going to add one more foreigner in the future because it makes the level of competition higher and the local players who want it, they will fight for their spot and they will get better too,” said Patrick.
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