Chiba Jets achieve first Eastern Premier League title on wild night in Cebu
East Super League home and away season draws to a close
Cebu, the second city of the Philippines, is a beautiful city, but it is the stage for the Eastern Super League Final Four. At first, I was skeptical about the reasons for choosing this place to hold the tournament, but it was not until I was there that I realized the deeper meaning of the location of the Eastern Super League.
Eastern Super League posters by the dugout speak of an extraordinary night
When we arrived in Cebu, under the light of the setting sun, basketball courts were dotted on both sides of the road, as if they were "wild courts" all over the place. In the basketball country of the Philippines, the figure of children chasing basketball with bare feet is touching.
On Narusuan Island, a stalwart by the basketball hoop
Basketball, here is not only a sport, but also a spiritual support. The enthusiastic cheering of the all-Filipino fans in the dunking dome gymnasium gives one a deep understanding of the wisdom of choosing the site for the East Super.
With the Chiba Jets winning Cebu's first international title and the new East Super League stadium nearing completion, international tournaments are expected to come thick and fast in the future.
East Super League CEO Bruce Lee and COO Fusheng Ma explain the season's history and look forward to the new season's planning. From the first battle in October to the grand final in March, the East Super League audience and sponsor lineup have grown by leaps and bounds.
In the new season, the Eastern Premier League will expand to 16 teams, with two new teams joining. Teams will have to juggle their home leagues with the Eastern Conference, and the tight schedule of teams such as the Chiba Jets will be a major test for the participating teams.
Despite Lin's absence due to injury, Chiba Jets Isao Togashi helped his team reach the final with a stellar performance of 32 minutes, 28 points and 5 assists. The East Super League is committed to creating a high-level tournament that provides sponsors with more exposure opportunities and is deeply tied to the East Asian basketball audience.
Looking ahead, the East Super League will bring together the top college basketball teams in East Asia to create a women's basketball version of the East Super League. But for now, the East Super League will remain focused on polishing the tournament itself and bringing more exciting games to fans.
