On January 4 and 5, 2025, the B.LEAGUE 2024-25 season continued with exhilarating matchups across various venues, drawing sizable crowds and featuring prominent guest appearances. Among the highlights was the anticipated face-off between the Chiba Jets and Levanga Hokkaido at LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY.
During this game, gymnastics stars Wataru Tanigawa, Kazuya Kaya, Masataka Sugino, Daiki Hashimoto, and Shinnosuke Oka delighted the audience with their impressive acrobatics, performing synchronized backflips at center court. Tanigawa celebrated successfully making his free throw along with Yuki Togashi, sparking excitement among fans. This event showcased not only high-level basketball but also the intersection of sports and entertainment, as the crowd cheered passionately.
Meanwhile, the January 5th “Tokyo Derby” between Alvark Tokyo and Sunrockers Shibuya was graced by the presence of actor Ken Matsudaira, who performed his famous 'Matsuken Samba II' during the halftime show. These elements of showmanship have enhanced the overall experience for spectators, transforming basketball games from mere sporting events to full-blown entertainment spectacles.
The Jets haven’t just been making headlines for their events; they have also made significant strides on the court. The recent win against Nagasaki Velca showcased their well-structured offense. With newly implemented systems such as the “two-guard start,” where guards Morii and Ravenna played together, the Jets exploited opponents effectively. Ravenna shone particularly bright, delivering 21 points with impressive shot efficiency (6/7) and played a pivotal role in sealing the victory.
Nagasaki faced challenges, particularly during the third quarter where multiple turnovers allowed the Jets to pull away significantly. Analysts noted their need to refine their help defense metrics and execution, especially when it came to managing quick cuts and screens from Chiba's players.
Off the court, the Chiba Jets are committed to developing young talent, which brings us to their latest signing—Riku Segawa, announced on January 4. Segawa, regarded as one of the best high school guards with average stats of 24.7 points and 15 rebounds, has chosen to join the Jets over pursuing opportunities at universities abroad. He expressed his motivation, stating, “The reason I decided is because this is the closest path to my goal of participating in the Paris Olympics.” This decision not only hints at his personal ambitions but also aligns with the Jets’ goal to build a formidable team for the future.
The Jets’ General Manager Yuta Ikebuchi emphasized the importance of their decision to recruit Segawa, explaining, “We wanted him to understand the environment here and what he could achieve with us.” This careful approach to player recruitment reflects the organization’s emphasis on nurturing talent and preparing them for broader competitive arenas, including ambitions for international stardom.
Segawa’s arrival marks another strategic move by the Jets, echoing the recent trend of young talents aiming for immediate professional exposure rather than traditional collegiate routes. With many former players having successfully transitioned to international play, such as Yuki Kawamura who made waves with the Memphis Grizzlies, aspirations are high. Ikebuchi stated, “Our mission is to help Segawa grow as the next generation ace and support him as he eyes overseas opportunities.”
Looking at the competitive environment, the Jets have positioned themselves well within the league as they continue to refine their gameplay and engage their fans. Recently, merchandise sales have seen upticks—with fans eager to support their team by sporting official jerseys and other gear, such as the new 2024-25 season player T-shirts, priced at 2,750 yen, and baseball shirts offered at 4,400 yen. Their approach blends sports and community, inviting fans to be part of the chapter as they aspire for success on and off the court.
For those wanting to engage more directly, the Jets’ Academy has opened its doors for free trial sessions at Sakura Civic Hall. Scheduled for January 20 and throughout February, the academy aims to discover and nurture future basketball talents. Their slogan, 'Wings to Possibilities', emphasizes their commitment to fostering growth through basketball, giving children tools to achieve their dreams.
With vibrant events, strategic acquisitions, and community engagement initiatives, the Chiba Jets are working diligently to solidify their place not just as contestants for the B.LEAGUE title, but as pillars of basketball culture across Japan. Looking forward, each game, every performance, and new talent like Riku Segawa, all contribute to the Jets’ dynamic narrative. Fans eagerly await as the season progresses, knowing they are witnessing the growth of not just athletes, but future legends of the sport.