Cholet, France – The B.LEAGUE announced today the 12-man roster and staff for its U18 select team, which will compete in the prestigious Cholet Mondial Basketball tournament in France from April 3-6, 2026. This marks the first time a B.LEAGUE youth team will participate in a European international competition, a significant step in the league’s “B.LEAGUE NEXT STAR PROJECT” aimed at developing players capable of competing on the world stage.
The tournament, held in Cholet, France, is a U19 category event that will pit the B.LEAGUE U18 squad against some of the top youth programs from around the globe. Previously, the B.LEAGUE had sent youth select teams to the FUTURE STAR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP in Shanghai, China, for two consecutive years. The invitation extended to Asian teams for this year’s Cholet Mondial Basketball is a first for the tournament organizers, highlighting the growing international recognition of Japanese youth basketball.
Leading the team will be SR Shibuya U18 head coach, Akiba Shinji. He will be assisted by Suzuki Tatsuo (Saga Ballooners U18) and Yoshida Eiji (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U15). The roster features a blend of established young talent and a promising up-and-comer in 14-year-old Yanoi Hao of SR Shibuya U18, who was selected despite still being in junior high school.
The team boasts size and athleticism, with players like 6’2” (195cm) Frowning Colin of Chiba J U18 and Pratt Seiya of Nagasaki U18. Yokohama B-Corsairs U18’s Ehara Gyosaku, a 6’1” (192cm) forward, also makes the squad. These players represent a diverse range of B.LEAGUE affiliated U18 programs, signaling the league’s commitment to scouting talent from across the country.
The B.LEAGUE has consistently stated its mission to cultivate players and teams that can compete internationally. This tournament provides a crucial opportunity for these young athletes to gain invaluable experience against top competition from countries including Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, and Montenegro. The competition will include host nation France, as well as several French club teams and development programs.
B.LEAGUE U18 Select Team Roster & Staff
Staff:
- Head Coach: Akiba Shinji (Sanrockers Shibuya U18)
- Assistant Coach: Suzuki Tatsuo (Saga Ballooners U18)
- Assistant Coach: Yoshida Eiji (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U15)
- Trainer: Takadai Shuki (Alvark Tokyo U18)
Players:
- #1 Komatsu Ryota (PF / 188cm / 2nd Year HS / Akita Northern Happinets U18)
- #2 Fukamizu Kotaro (SF / 187cm / 2nd Year HS / Chiba Jets U18)
- #3 Frowning Colin (PF / 195cm / 1st Year HS / Chiba Jets U18)
- #4 Tanabashi Yasunari (SG / 179cm / 2nd Year HS / Sanrockers Shibuya U18)
- #5 Furukawa Shane (PF / 188cm / 1st Year HS / Sanrockers Shibuya U18)
- #6 Yanoi Hao (PG / 180cm / 3rd Year MS / Sanrockers Shibuya U18)
- #7 Takahashi Hideaki (PG / 175cm / 1st Year HS / Kawasaki Brave Thunders U18)
- #8 Ehara Gyosaku (SF/PF / 192cm / 2nd Year HS / Yokohama B-Corsairs U18)
- #9 Sato Shun (SF / 184cm / 1st Year HS / Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U18)
- #10 Fujita Sho (SG / 179cm / 1st Year HS / Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U18)
- #11 Pratt Seiya (PF / 191cm / 1st Year HS / Nagasaki Velca U18)
- #12 Miyari Shunsuke (PG / 180cm / 1st Year HS / Ryukyu Golden Kings U18)
Tournament Overview: Cholet Mondial Basketball
- Dates: April 3-6, 2026
- Location: Cholet, France
- Category: U19 (B.LEAGUE participating with its U18 select team)
- Participating Teams (12 total):
- B.LEAGUE U18 Select Team (Japan)
- POLARIS PREP ACADEMY (Canada)
- DRIVE ACADEMY ELITE BASKETBALL (Finland)
- ORANGE LIONS ACADEMY (Netherlands)
- URSPRING ACADEMY (Germany)
- ELX BASKET ACADEMY (Spain)
- CZ ACADEMY (Czech Republic)
- KK PODGORICA BEMAX (Montenegro)
- ADA BLOIS BASKET 41 (France)
- ROANNE BASKETBALL CHOIR (France)
- LE MANS SARTHE BASKET (France)
- CHOLET BASKET (France)
The B.LEAGUE’s participation in the Cholet Mondial Basketball represents a significant investment in the future of Japanese basketball. The experience gained by these young players will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the league and the national team. Fans can follow the team’s progress and results on the official tournament website: https://jfcholetmondialbasketball.com/
The next confirmed checkpoint for this team is the start of the Cholet Mondial Basketball tournament on April 3rd, 2026. Keep an eye on the B.LEAGUE’s official channels for updates and live coverage. What are your expectations for the B.LEAGUE U18 team in France? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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