Wildcats to host Japan’s best in September series

• Perth will host Japanese clubs Ryukyu Golden Kings and Sunrockers Shibuya in September
• SEM Phoenix will travel west to participate in the tournament
• Former Wildcats star Vic Law headlines Ryukyu’s roster, while the Sunrockers feature former Sydney King Didi Louzada

Perth will welcome some of Japan’s premier basketball clubs this September as the Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix take on the Ryukyu Golden Kings and Shibuya Sunrockers in the inaugural Perth Wildcats International Series.

The event, held at the Perth High-Performance Centre across two double-header game days (September 12 and 14), marks a continuation in the strengthening of ties between the NBL and Japan’s B.League.

The Wildcats will face both Japanese opponents on home soil for the first time, following their landmark pre-season tour to Japan last year, where they faced off against East Asia Super League (EASL) champions Chiba Jets, the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins and the Yokohama B-Corsairs. That tour laid the foundation for this international return fixture, designed to deepen collaboration between the two basketball leagues.

“Bringing Japanese teams to Perth and continuing to build these relationships is something we’re really passionate about,” Wildcats owner and CEO, Mark Arena, said.

“Our Japan trip last year was an incredible experience for our players, staff and club. To now be hosting two of Japan’s top teams right here in Perth is a fantastic next step.”

The Ryukyu Golden Kings, one of Japan’s most decorated clubs with six national championships including the 2022–23 B.League title, will bring a star-studded line-up that includes American big man Jack Cooley and two-way forward Keve Aluma. The team also features former Wildcats star Vic Law, who helped lead Perth to the postseason in the 2021–22 NBL season.

"With their overwhelming strength and popularity in the NBL, the Perth Wildcats are a team that leads Australia’s basketball culture,” said Ryukyu General Manager Junichi Yasunaga. “We are truly honoured to be part of this special global event.”

Sunrockers Shibuya, based in Tokyo, enters its 90th season as one of Japan’s oldest and most respected clubs. Their current roster includes American/Japanese forward Josh Hawkinson, who averaged over 16 points and 8 rebounds last season, and former Sydney Kings swingman Didi Louzada, also a member of the Brazil National Team.

South East Melbourne Phoenix, who will also face both Japanese clubs, bring their own firepower to the event. Their line-up includes Boomers guard Nathan Sobey and centre Jordan Hunter.

The series schedule is:

Game Day 1 – Friday, September 12 @ Perth HPC

• Game 1: South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Ryukyu Golden Kings – 5:00pm
• Game 2: Perth Wildcats vs Sunrockers Shibuya – 7:30pm

Game Day 2 – Sunday, September 14 @ Perth HPC

• Game 1: South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Sunrockers Shibuya – 2:00pm
• Game 2: Perth Wildcats vs Ryukyu Golden Kings – 4:30pm

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