Japan B.League coaches impressed by Manila crowd’s passion

AJ Edu’s Gunma Crane Thunders during a game vs Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido in the Japan B.League Manila preseason game at Mall of Asia Arena. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines— The Japan B.League preseason in Manila was supposedly for the fans, but coaches Torsten Loibl and Kyle Milling got some good experiences of their own.

Milling, Gunma’s head coach, steered the Crane Thunders to a 98-81 rout of Levanga Hokkaido at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night.

READ: AJ Edu, Gunma cruise past Dwight Ramos, Levanga in B.League Manila

Aside from the win, Milling was ecstatic to see Filipino fans cheer them on for the sport they love.

He also joked about giving AJ Edu more minutes in the next game.

“It’s a very fun environment. I’ve heard a lot about the Filipino fans and a lot of them are passionate. Every time Dwight (Ramos) or AJ touches the ball, that crowd gets excited,” he said.

“Tomorrow, I might set more plays for AJ. That might get them more excited,” he added in jest.

Hokkaido coach Torsten Loibl felt the same way.

READ: Gunma braces for Levanga response in B.League Manila rematch

Having coached Japanese national teams before, Loibl was well aware of how Filipinos support their countrymen on the hardwood.

Still, that didn’t stop him from relishing the crowd’s welcome to the B.League Manila games.

“Today, for me, it was amazing that we played in the Philippines. We had two Japanese teams but it felt like we played against a Filipino team here,” he said.

“Many people say it’s comparable with Okinawa but it’s not. The atmosphere here is just crazy. We really appreciate the opportunity to play here in this great venue and in front of great fans.”