The only Korean player in the Japanese professional basketball first division, Yang Jae-min (26), has changed teams.
Ibaraki Robots of the B League officially announced on the 23rd, "We have acquired Yang Jae-min from Korea as an Asian quarter player for the 2025-26 season."
The club stated, "Yang Jae-min is a player who can contribute to the team in both offense and defense with his size and physicality. We have signed him as he fits the team's style as an Asian quarter player. We reached an agreement regarding the acquisition with Sendai due to mutual interests."
Yang Jae-min began his professional basketball career in Japan by joining the Shinshu Brave Warriors in 2020. After playing for Utsunomiya Brex and Sendai 89ers, Yang Jae-min will play for his fourth team.
Yang Jae-min has one season left on his contract with Sendai. Ibaraki, which seeks to strengthen its forward position, is reported to have wanted Yang Jae-min enough to pay a buyout fee. Sendai has also reinforced the forward position in the offseason, allowing Yang Jae-min to leave.
Ibaraki is a team with a past connection to Yang Jae-min. Two years ago, when Yang Jae-min was chosen as the captain of the Asian All-Stars, he played in the All-Star game in Mito, Ibaraki. Yang Jae-min also made history as Sendai's first All-Star player last season.
After the transfer was confirmed, Yang Jae-min remarked, "An unexpected situation arose, but I made the best choice within that. I want to focus on the positive aspects."
Yang Jae-min has already spent five years in Japan. He pledged, "As the sixth season approaches, I will prepare better and show many good performances. Thank you for always cheering for me!"
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