In Lapu-Lapu City, away from Japan, the Chiba Jets found success in Cebu with captain Yuki Togashi leading them to a championship victory in the East Asia Super League. Despite being the smallest player in the tournament at 5-foot-6, Togashi emerged as a standout performer, winning the hearts of Filipino fans as Chiba secured a narrow 72-69 win over the Seoul SK Knights in the finals at the Hoops Dome.
Togashi, who was named the Final Four Most Valuable Player after averaging 26.0 points, 6.0 assists, and five three-pointers in two games, expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support. The Japan national team captain also led his team to qualification for the Paris Olympics last year.
The passionate Filipino crowd in Cebu made Togashi feel at home and he credited them for the electrifying atmosphere in which he and the Jets thrived. Following chants of “MVP” from the local fans, Togashi acknowledged the basketball-loving environment created by the supporters.
The 30-year-old playmaker emphasized that the success was not just about his individual performance, but also about the collective energy and enthusiasm for basketball that the fans brought to the games.
