The Japan Times features periodic interviews with players in the bj-league. Jeff Newton of the Ryukyu Golden Kings is the subject of this week's profile.
Position: Power forward
Age: 31
Ht: 205 cm; Wt: 95 kg
Hometown: Atlanta
College: Indiana
Noteworthy: Newton has played in all seven bj-league Final Fours; no one else can say that. He helped the Osaka Evessa win three championships before joining the Ryukyu Golden Kings in 2008. Newton's 50-point game against Osaka in the 2008-09 Western Conference final is greatest individual accomplishment in league history. The Golden Kings captured their first title in the next game, and added a second championship in May. Newton is the only five-time title winner in league history. He was the 2008-09 regular season and playoff MVP and led the league in blocked shots in each of the first three seasons.