Dwight, AJ headline B.League Manila cast

Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido during the Japan B.League Finals Week festivities in Manila. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

Japan’s B.League will bring preseason games to Manila in September as part of celebrations marking both the league’s 10th anniversary and the 70th year of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

The league officially announced the event on Thursday at SM Megamall, with Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial joining league officials for the launch.

“I want to congratulate Japan B.League for having a world-class program and production in just a span of 10 years,” Marcial said. “I want to thank them for coming.”

Game at MOA

B.League executive officer Nao Okamoto said the Manila games are meant not only to celebrate the league’s milestone season but also to strengthen ties between the two countries.

“This year is the 10th anniversary of the B.League, but more importantly, this year is the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Japan,” Okamoto said.

“To celebrate that and as part of our charity initiatives, we are pleased to announce these B.League Manila Games.”

Filipino standouts AJ Edu and Dwight Ramos will headline the event, with Edu’s Gunma Crane Thunders facing Ramos’ Levanga Hokkaido on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio said Filipino fans rarely get the opportunity to watch B.League action live.

“We are watching the B.League only through certain platforms and we know it’s very different to witness Filipino, Japanese and international talents playing together and showcasing what they’re capable of,” Gregorio said.

Aside from announcing the Manila games, the B.League is also holding its annual “Final Week” watch party in the Philippines, featuring the B.League Finals.

This season’s championship series pits Nagasaki Velca against the Ryukyu Golden Kings in a best-of-three showdown.