Japan B.League team Saga Ballooners have recently visited Manila to explore opportunities for cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission.
With the Japanese league being one of the overseas leagues that tap Filipino basketball players as their Asian quota imports, the pioneering Division 1 team believes it is only natural for them to strengthen their ties with the country.
The delegation, led by team president Mr. Okano, toured the facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and paid a courtesy call to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioners Fritz Gaston and Olivia “Bong” Coo. Their visit was made possible through the invitation of Otsuka Philippines, the maker of Pocari Sweat, the official hydrating drink of Team Philippines since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The delegation also included general manager Coach Mizumachi, sponsor Mr. Mizugami, Otsuka Japan general manager Mr. Hiroo Goto, King of Car president Funaki Shib, manager Junpei Yamano, and Otsuka Philippines president Mr. Ken Saito.
Saito said the visit was more than a courtesy—it was a first step toward formalizing a collaboration that could benefit players from both sides.
“Several Filipinos are now playing in the Japanese League, and they have made a strong impression,” he said. “That’s why Saga is looking for a partnership with the PSC to strengthen the relationship between our countries. Hopefully, this will open a window of opportunities for even more Filipino players to ply their trade in Japan.”
Looking ahead, officials outlined concrete plans to bring the collaboration to life.
“Part of the plan is an exchange program, where Filipino players can go to Saga to conduct basketball clinics and camps, and vice versa,” Saito revealed. “It’s not just about competition, but also about cultural exchange and learning from each other’s systems.”
For the PSC, the visit highlights the growing recognition of Filipino talent abroad. Commissioner Fritz Gaston, himself a former professional player, expressed optimism.
“Filipinos are known worldwide for their basketball passion. This kind of initiative shows that other countries are beginning to see the depth of our talent pool. It’s encouraging for our young athletes,” Gaston said.
