Rising Stars Head to France for International Challenge

Cholet, France, will host the B.League U18 selection team from April 3rd to 6th for the CHOLET MONDIAL BASKETBALL tournament, a U19 competition featuring some of the world’s top youth basketball programs. This marks the first time the B.League has sent a team to compete in a European tournament.

Tournament Details and Participating Teams

The CHOLET MONDIAL BASKETBALL tournament brings together 12 teams, including clubs and development programs from around the globe. Participating teams include:

• B.LEAGUE U18 selection 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)

This is the first time the tournament has invited a team from the Asian region, showing the high level of attention paid to Japan’s youth generation, which has shown great international success in recent years.

B.League U18 Roster and Coaching Staff

The B.League U18 selection team is led by head coach Shinji Akiba (Sunrockers Shibuya U18), with assistant coaches Tatsuo Suzuki (Saga Ballooners U18) and Eiji Yoshida (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U15). The 12-player roster includes:

• Ryota Komatsu (Akita Northern Happinets U18)
• Torataro Fukasumi (Chiba Jets U18)
• Froning Colin (Chiba Jets U18)
• Yasunari Tanahashi (Sunrockers Shibuya U18)
• Shane Koga (Sunrockers Shibuya U18)
• Hiroshi Yamanoi (Sunrockers Shibuya U18)
• Hidenari Takahashi (Kawasaki Brave Thunders U18)
• Yukisa Ebara (Yokohama B-Corsairs U18)
• Shun Sato (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U18)
• Sho Fujita (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U18)
• Seiya Pratt (Nagasaki Veruca U18)
• Shunsuke Miyazato (Ryukyu Golden Kings U18)

Notably, Hajime Yamanoi, a junior high school student, was selected for his potential.

A Step Towards Global Recognition

The B.League has stated that producing world-class players and teams is one of its core missions. This tournament provides a valuable opportunity for these young players to gain experience against top international competition.

FAQ

What is the CHOLET MONDIAL BASKETBALL tournament?

It is an international U19 basketball tournament organized by the Jeune France club, bringing together 12 teams.

When and where will the tournament be held?

The tournament will be held in Cholet, France, from April 3rd to 6th, 2026.

Who is coaching the B.League U18 selection team?

Shinji Akiba is the head coach, with assistant coaches Tatsuo Suzuki and Eiji Yoshida.