Japanese basketball continues to improve year after year. Strong financial backing and steadily growing fan interest have turned the B.League into one of Asia’s most exciting competitions.
Here are five players whose performances in the 2026/27 season deserve particularly close attention, according to 1xBet Japan.
Keisei Tominaga (Levanga Hokkaido)
The “Japanese Steph Curry” returned to the domestic league in 2025 after an impressive NCAA career at Nebraska. Tominaga quickly became Levanga Hokkaido’s leading scorer, with a game that is incredibly difficult for opponents to predict. His ability to hit shots from near half-court, make extremely tough fadeaways off individual drives, and ignite the stands in seconds makes Levanga Hokkaido games a must-watch. Keisei scored 41 points against the SeaHorses in the season’s first game – an early statement to become the league’s leading scorer and regular-season MVP.
Yuta Watanabe (Chiba Jets)
In 2024, the veteran forward returned to Japan after six years in the NBA and became a key player for his club. Watanabe is no longer just the 3-and-D player he was in the USA – he has become a leader in the locker room. His return itself highlighted the league’s growing quality and its ability to attract players who would certainly be in demand at some of Europe’s top clubs. Yuta can do virtually everything: defend players at any position, score from almost anywhere, and push the pace in transition. The Chiba Jets haven’t won the playoffs since 2021 despite consistently ranking among the best in the regular season. Now is the perfect time to change that.
Jarrett Culver (Sendai 89ERS)
The American was selected sixth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Although he couldn't establish himself in Minnesota, Memphis, or Atlanta, he scored more than 20 points in some games, showing his true potential. In Japan, the shooting guard has flourished and become one of the most dominant players. His court vision, explosive first step, and ability to take crucial shots in clutch situations make Sendai a dangerous opponent for any of the league’s top teams. In the season’s first two games against Akita, he scored 52 points, including eight three-pointers on 20 attempts.
Nassir Little (Saga Ballooners)
Another name from the 2019 NBA Draft, Little was selected by Portland, where he spent four seasons before playing another year in Phoenix. In 2025, the forward joined the Chiba Jets before moving to the Saga Ballooners in 2026, where he is expected to lead the offense. Little arrived as a player who can overpower opposing defenses with strong drives and aggressive play on the glass. He posted impressive points-and-rebounds numbers in the season’s first two games: 29 and 8, followed by 23 and 6. Watching his powerful dunks is pure entertainment.
D.J. Newbill (Altiri Chiba)
The list would not be complete without the reigning three-time league MVP. The shooting guard moved from Utsunomiya Brex to Altiri Chiba this year, a transfer that has brought even more attention to his new club. For the 34-year-old Newbill, no shot seems impossible. He can take over when the game is on the line and has long established himself as one of Asia's best players. His new team is unlikely to challenge for the championship, but with Newbill leading the way, they can beat anyone on any given night. DJ’s experience should also help his younger teammates develop faster.
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