Sunrockers Shibuya has secured the first pick in the inaugural B.LEAGUE Draft and used it to select Kazuwata Yamazaki from the University of Northern colorado,the team announced Thursday,January 29,2026. The move signals a bold step for the league and a potential franchise cornerstone for Shibuya.
The Sunrockers earned the top selection in the “B.LEAGUE DRAFT 2026 LOTTERY” on December 22,2025. Club officials, after careful deliberation, beleive Yamazaki possesses the immediate impact and future potential to become the face of the franchise. Negotiations will begin following the conclusion of Yamazaki’s NCAA season.
Local Roots, Global Aspirations
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Yamazaki’s connection to the region adds another layer to the excitement. Hailing from Matsudo City,Chiba Prefecture,he grew up near Kashiwa City,where the Sunrockers Shibuya maintain their training facility.His high school career at Meisei High School attached to Sendai University was marked by significant achievements before he transferred to the University of Northern Colorado. he was also selected for the national training camp for the FIBA ​​Asia Cup 2025, serving as a reserve player. Standing at 2.01 meters (6’7″), Yamazaki is a versatile wing player known for his shooting ability and all-around game.
What kind of player are the Sunrockers getting? Yamazaki is a 2m tall wing player with a knack for sinking outside shots and the athleticism to contribute on both ends of the court.
- Yamazaki is a local product, born in Chiba Prefecture.
- He overcame a serious knee injury to continue his basketball career.
- He has already demonstrated success on the international stage.
ibu Yamazaki
Date of birth: July 10, 2003
Height/Weight: 201cm / 98kg
Birthplace: Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture
Alma mater: University of Northern Colorado
Position: SF
Ryota Matsuoka, General Manager, Comments
“First of all, I feel relieved that we were able to successfully exercise our historic first pick and obtain the right to negotiate in the first-ever draft in league history,” said Ryota Matsuoka. “Due to the fact that Yamazaki is currently in the midst of the NCAA season, Yamazaki was nominated as an individual without any prior contact based on various regulations and restrictions. As a club, we are deeply saddened by the fact that, while we were playing the season right in front of us, this caused a commotion off the court.”
Matsuoka continued, “Yamazaki is a wing player with remarkable size, physical ability, and outstanding athleticism. I am confident that he is a talented individual who will carry the future of Japanese basketball on his shoulders, and is worthy of being nominated as the No. 1 pick. However, as mentioned above, Yamazaki is in the middle of his season, so I hope that he will concentrate fully on the season at hand. We at the club are currently concentrating on the battle in front of us, waiting for a time when we can negotiate, and will do our best to welcome Yamazaki to the sunrockers next season. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we apologize to all the fans and partners who support the Sunrockers and hope that they will continue to support the team and warmly watch over Yamazaki’s continued efforts on American soil.”
