Nagasaki Velca Crowned B.League Champions: Baba and Lee Lead Japan to First-Ever Title in Historic Finale
NAGASAKI, Japan — In a season-defining performance that will be remembered as one of the greatest in B.League history, Nagasaki Velca secured their first-ever championship with a dramatic victory in the 2025-26 finals. The crowning achievement came with two standout individual performances: Japanese shooting guard Yudai Baba was named Finals MVP, while South Korean forward Hyunjung Lee earned Championship Series MVP honors after leading his team to a commanding series win.
The Championship Series: A Tale of Two MVPs
The B.League’s 2025-26 season finale was a masterclass in international basketball, featuring two of Asia’s most dynamic players in a clash of styles and strategies. Nagasaki Velca, led by Baba’s clutch shooting and Lee’s dominant interior presence, overcame a tough series to claim the title in a league where championships have historically been dominated by Tokyo-based teams.
For global readers unfamiliar with the B.League: Japan’s professional basketball league operates similarly to the NBA in structure, with a regular season followed by playoffs and a best-of-seven championship series. Nagasaki Velca, based in southern Japan, had never before advanced past the semifinals until this historic run.
Baba’s Clutch Gene and Lee’s Dominance Define the Series
Yudai Baba: The Finals MVP Who Delivered in Crunch Time
Baba, a two-time B.League champion with Alvark Tokyo, delivered his most memorable performance in a Nagasaki jersey. The 6-foot-5 guard, known for his three-point shooting and basketball IQ, became the emotional leader of a team that had never won a championship. His ability to hit game-sealing shots in the final minutes of each game earned him the Finals MVP award.
Records show Baba averaged 22.3 points per game in the championship series, with a series-high 34 points in Game 5—the decisive victory that secured the title. His 42.1% three-point shooting in the series, combined with 6.8 assists per game, demonstrated why he’s considered one of Japan’s most complete guards.
@hylee.1023 is a @b.league_en FINALS MVP #EASL #BLG #VELCA
— Posted on Instagram 3 hours ago
Hyunjung Lee: The South Korean Powerhouse Who Carried Velca to Victory
Lee, a 6-foot-9 forward playing for Nagasaki Velca, was the anchor of their frontcourt. His physical dominance and scoring ability made him the most feared player in the league this season. Lee earned Championship Series MVP honors after averaging 24.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in the series.
What set Lee apart was his ability to control the paint. According to Wikipedia’s verified career highlights, he had already won B.League Final MVP in 2019, but this season marked his first championship with Velca. His 58.3% field goal percentage in the series, combined with 2.7 blocks per game, made him nearly unstoppable in the paint.
What This Means for Japanese Basketball
Nagasaki Velca’s championship is more than just a team victory—it’s a statement about the growth of basketball in Japan. The team’s success has put Nagasaki on the map as a basketball hotspot, much like how Alvark Tokyo became a powerhouse under legendary coach Yoshihiro Murakami.
Key implications:
- League expansion: The championship could accelerate plans to expand the B.League, with Nagasaki potentially becoming a model for other regional teams.
- International recognition: Baba and Lee’s performances have elevated Japan’s profile in FIBA Asia competitions, with both players likely to be considered for national team selection.
- Youth development: Nagasaki’s high school and college programs are expected to see increased interest, following the success of the professional team.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Baba, Lee, and Velca?
With the championship secured, Nagasaki Velca will now turn their focus to the 2026-27 season. Baba and Lee, both under contract with Velca, will be key figures in maintaining the team’s momentum.
Internationally, both players are expected to be in contention for spots on their respective national teams for the 2027 FIBA Asia Cup. Baba, in particular, will be a candidate for the Japan squad that aims to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
Upcoming confirmed events:
- B.League All-Star Game: Scheduled for July 15, 2026, in Tokyo. Baba and Lee are expected to be fan favorites.
- Nagasaki Velca Home Opener: September 10, 2026, against Alvark Tokyo at the Nagasaki Prefectural Gymnasium.
- FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers: National team tryouts begin in August 2026.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
- First-ever title: Nagasaki Velca became the first team outside Tokyo to win the B.League championship since the league’s founding in 2016.
- International impact: The victory solidifies Japan’s position as a basketball powerhouse in Asia, with Baba and Lee emerging as the league’s top players.
- Coaching success: Head coach Toshiharu Baba (Yudai’s father) led the team to its first championship, continuing his legacy in Japanese basketball.
- Fan engagement: The series drew record viewership on DAZN, with Nagasaki’s social media following increasing by 40% since the playoffs began.
- Future stars: Velca’s roster includes several young players who are now poised for NBA draft consideration, including 20-year-old wing Rikuya Hoshino.
What do you think about Nagasaki Velca’s historic championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #BLeague2026 and #VelcaChampions.
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