Ryumo Ono doesn't receive the same recognition as talented teammates Yuki Togashi, Michael Parker and Gavin Edwards. But the veteran forward is an integral part of the Chiba Jets Funabashi's success, including back-to-back Emperor's Cup titles, since the league's inception.
Ono, an energetic presence, has started all 48 games for the playoff-bound Jets (37-12), who sit atop the six-team East Division with six consecutive victories. The Alvark Tokyo (36-13) are right behind them in the standings.
The 197-cm Tokyo native is averaging 11.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists a game. Last season, he posted similar numbers (12.3, 3.1 and 2.4) while starting in all 60 regular-season games.