19
Jun
Breaking News
Keanu Pinder leaves NBL to sign in Japan
Keanu Pinder of the Wildcats shoots a free throw during game two of the NBL Semi Final Series between Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena, on March 01, 2025, in Perth, Australia. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
One of the biggest free agents on the market has been snapped up by the B League.
- Australian forward Keanu Pinder has signed with the Akita Northern Happinets in Japan for the 2025-26 season
- Pinder joins former NBL assistant coach Mick Downer at Akita
- He is a two-time NBL Most Improved player (2022, 2023)
Keanu Pinder has joined the long list of Australian stars playing in the Japan B League after signing with the Akita Northern Happinets for the 2025-26 season, the club announced Thursday morning.
The 30-year-old, who had stints with Adelaide 36ers, Cairns Taipans and most recently the Perth Wildcats, makes the switch overseas despite being a potential marquee signing candidate on the NBL free agency market.
Pinder is coming off two inconsistent seasons with the Wildcats despite averaging 15.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting at 50% from the field during the 2024-25 season, where Perth lost to Melbourne United in a three-game semi-finals series. His best NBL season came in 2022-23 with the Taipans, winning his second Most Improved Player awards after averaging 16.9 points and 9.3 rebounds under Adam Forde before moving to Western Australia for the following season.
He joins former NBL assistant coach Mick Downer in Akita.
"I would just like to say I am very excited to be joining Akita. The opportunity to be a part of this team is going to be special," Pinder said in the club's media release.
"I love what me and the coaches talked about and the value I could bring to his team. The league has been entertaining to watch and I have loved the growth over the years. I feel that being a part of the Akita Northern Happinets will be a special experience for me.
"When I talked to Head Coach Maeda, I was very excited to share what I can bring to this team. The B League is very interesting to watch and I think the growth over the past few years has been great, so I am really looking forward to joining it."
Pinder reportedly received significant interest from across the NBL but decided to sign in Japan.
He joins the long list of Australian bigs to sign in the B League, following the likes of Brock Motum, Nick Kay and Angus Brandt, who will all feature in the competition in the 2025-26 season.
See our full guide to free agents on the market as well as offseason player movements.
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