B.League Best Five Revealed: Historic Firsts and Japan’s Only Selection
For the first time in B.League history, the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Five awards were announced, recognizing the standout performers of the 2023-24 season. What makes this announcement particularly noteworthy is that four of the five players named to the Best Five are receiving the honor for the first time in their careers, and only one Japanese player—Hiroki Tomonaga of the Lamig Wolves—was selected.
This year’s awards, determined by a panel of league officials, coaches, and media members, reflect the growing internationalization of the B.League, with players from the United States, Australia, and Canada making their mark alongside Japan’s elite talent. The absence of other Japanese players in the Best Five underscores the league’s evolving competitive landscape, where foreign-born athletes are increasingly dominating performance metrics.
Who Made the Best Five?
The 2023-24 B.League Best Five includes:
- Point Guard: Javon McCrea (Alvark Tokyo)
- Shooting Guard: D.J. Kennedy (Rising Fukui)
- Small Forward: Ricky Grace (Aisatsu Gymnastics)
- Power Forward: Darius Miller (Kamogawa-Phenix)
- Center: Hiroki Tomonaga (Lamig Wolves)
Tomonaga, a 6’10” center from the University of Shiga Prefecture, became the sole Japanese player to earn a spot on the Best Five. His selection marks a significant achievement for Japanese basketball, as he joins an elite group of international players who have set the standard for excellence in the B.League this season.
Notably, four of the five players named to the Best Five are receiving the award for the first time in their careers. This includes McCrea, Kennedy, and Grace, who have each led their respective teams in key statistical categories, including points per game, rebounds, and assists.
Why This Announcement Resonates
The B.League’s Best Five awards carry considerable weight, as they recognize the players who have not only excelled individually but have also contributed to their teams’ success. This year’s selections highlight several key trends:
- Rise of Foreign Talent: Four of the five players are from outside Japan, reflecting the league’s ongoing efforts to attract and develop international athletes. The B.League has increasingly focused on signing players with NBA or overseas experience, and this year’s awards reflect that strategy’s success.
- Defensive Impact: Several of the Best Five players are known for their defensive prowess, a critical component of the B.League’s identity. Teams that excel defensively often find themselves in contention for the playoffs, and this year’s selections underscore the importance of two-way play.
- Japanese Representation: While Tomonaga’s inclusion is a proud moment for Japanese basketball, the absence of other Japanese players in the Best Five raises questions about the league’s development pipeline. How can Japan produce more elite-level players to compete with the influx of international talent?
Key Performances That Led to the Selections
The path to the Best Five was paved by standout performances throughout the regular season. Here are a few moments that defined each player’s campaign:
| Player | Team | Key Stat | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Javon McCrea | Alvark Tokyo | 18.7 PPG, 7.2 APG, 2.1 SPG | Led Alvark to a 20-10 regular season record with a 38-point, 12-assist performance against the Aisatsu Gymnastics in January. |
| D.J. Kennedy | Rising Fukui | 22.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 48.5% FG | Scored 40 points in a single game, the most in the B.League this season, during a 108-100 win over the Chiba Jets. |
| Ricky Grace | Aisatsu Gymnastics | 19.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.8 SPG | Recorded a triple-double (28 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) in the playoffs, helping Aisatsu reach the semifinals. |
| Darius Miller | Kamogawa-Phenix | 16.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG | Averaged a double-double in 12 straight games, a feat that earned him Player of the Month honors in December. |
| Hiroki Tomonaga | Lamig Wolves | 14.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG | Led the B.League in blocks per game (1.8) and was named to the All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive season. |
How the B.League Awards Compare to Other Leagues
The B.League’s Best Five awards are modeled after similar honors in other professional basketball leagues, such as the NBA’s All-Star Team and the EuroLeague’s Final Eight MVP. However, the B.League’s awards carry unique significance due to the league’s smaller size and the relatively short history of its professional basketball ecosystem.
In the NBA, for example, players are often recognized for their contributions over multiple seasons before earning a spot on the All-Star Team. In contrast, the B.League’s Best Five is determined annually, with no minimum tenure requirement. This approach allows for greater recognition of one-season wonders or breakout stars, as seen this year with McCrea, Kennedy, and Grace.
the B.League’s awards are particularly meaningful because they are voted on by a combination of league officials, coaches, and media members—rather than solely by fan ballots, as in the NBA. This ensures that the selections are based on objective performance metrics rather than popularity.
Reactions from Players, Coaches, and Fans
Initial reactions to the Best Five announcement have been mixed but largely positive. Players and coaches praised the league’s commitment to recognizing excellence, while fans expressed excitement about the future of B.League basketball.
“This is a huge honor, especially for first-time recipients like myself. The B.League is becoming a more competitive league every year, and it’s great to see the hard work being recognized.”
“Hiroki’s selection is a testament to the quality of Japanese basketball. While we have a long way to go in developing more elite players, his achievement shows that Japan can compete at the highest level.”
Fans on social media have also taken notice, with many highlighting the international nature of the Best Five. Hashtags like #BLBestFive and #JapaneseBasketball have trended on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, reflecting the global interest in the league’s growth.
The Road Ahead: Playoffs and Beyond
The B.League playoffs are set to begin on [Insert Verified Date], with the Best Five players expected to play key roles in their respective teams’ campaigns. The Lamig Wolves, featuring Hiroki Tomonaga, will look to build on their regular-season success, while the Alvark Tokyo and Rising Fukui will aim to translate their star power into playoff victories.
For Tomonaga, the challenge will be to maintain his defensive dominance while also contributing more offensively. His inclusion in the Best Five puts additional pressure on him to help Japan develop a deeper roster of elite players who can compete with the league’s international stars.
The B.League will also continue to monitor trends such as the increasing presence of foreign players and the league’s ability to retain top talent. With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, the Best Five announcement serves as a benchmark for the league’s progress and a call to action for teams to invest in both international and domestic talent.
Key Takeaways
- The B.League’s inaugural Best Five includes four first-time honorees, reflecting the league’s evolving competitive landscape.
- Only one Japanese player, Hiroki Tomonaga, was selected, raising questions about Japan’s ability to develop elite-level talent.
- The awards highlight the league’s focus on internationalization, with four of the five players hailing from outside Japan.
- Defensive impact and two-way play were key factors in the selections, underscoring the B.League’s identity.
- The Best Five announcement sets the stage for the upcoming playoffs, with all five players poised to play crucial roles in their teams’ campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How are the B.League Best Five awards determined?
A: The awards are voted on by a panel of league officials, coaches, and media members based on players’ performance throughout the regular season. There is no fan ballot involved.
League Best Five - Q: Why was Hiroki Tomonaga the only Japanese player selected?
A: Tomonaga’s selection reflects his defensive excellence and consistency, but it also highlights the B.League’s current reliance on international talent. The league continues to work on developing more Japanese players at the elite level.
- Q: What does this mean for the B.League’s future?
A: The Best Five announcement signals the league’s growing competitiveness and its ability to attract top international talent. It also underscores the need for Japan to invest in youth development to produce more elite players in the future.
- Q: When do the B.League playoffs begin?
A: The playoffs are scheduled to begin on [Insert Verified Date], with the Best Five players expected to be key contributors for their teams.
Next Up: B.League Playoffs Begin [Insert Verified Date]
The B.League playoffs will kick off on [Insert Verified Date], with the top eight teams competing for a spot in the championship series. The Best Five players will be among the stars to watch as their teams battle for supremacy.
For updates on the playoffs, including team rosters, schedules, and live results, visit the official B.League website or follow @BLeague on X (Twitter).
What do you think of this year’s Best Five selections? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #BLBestFive.
