Last weekend ushered in the first real phase of preseason action as B. League teams prepare for the circuit's third campaign.
The B. League Early Cup was staged as six regional tournaments (Kanto, Kansai, Tohoku, Tokai, Hokushinetsu and Nishinihon, with 36 teams in total registered from the B1 and B2 ranks, and six per event, though the Levanga Hokkaido were absent from the Hokushinetsu tourney) on Friday through Sunday. It gave teams a measuring stick for where they are and provided fans with a glimpse of how their teams will take shape.
The defending champion Alvark Tokyo claimed the Kanto crown, edging the host Tochigi Brex 72-70 in the final at Brex Arena Utsunomiya. Alex Kirk paced the Alvark with 25 points and eight rebounds.