The Ryukyu Golden Kings are one of the premier teams in the B.League, whose EASL involvement and several new arenas are helping raise its overall profile.
Led by popular national team players Makoto Hiejima and Yuki Togashi, who will serve as captains, the B.League All-Star Game is set for January 14.
Japan's men's basketball team enjoyed home arena advantage during the FIBA World Cup. At the Paris Olympics, though, the competition will be far more fierce.
Manager Toru Oniki's club has played 12 games this season, winning 10 times and earning two draws.
The AlphaTauri driver passed Lance Stroll on the final lap to earn points at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
