The Shinshu Brave Warriors enter the inaugural season of the B.League’s premier division, B.Premier, following a significant roster overhaul that elevates the team’s average height to 194.6 centimeters. Opening their campaign at Nagano City’s White Ring on September 26, 2025, the restructured club features seven new additions among its 12-player roster, designed specifically to match the physical demands of domestic basketball’s highest tier.
The team’s visual identity has also shifted for the new era, with the court at the White Ring updated to the club’s new official colors of Brave Gold and Warriors Black, according to regional broadcaster Shinetsu Broadcasting.
Roster Reinforcements and Height Advantage
To compete against physical opponents in the top tier, Shinshu added three players standing over two meters tall, pushing the squad’s average height to 194.6 centimeters. Among the key newcomers is Kyvon Harris, a guard with NBA experience who was selected for the United States national team in 2026. Head coach Judd Flavel expects Harris to serve as a central figure in an environment that demands fast-paced execution on both ends of the floor.
“We want to play physically and aggressively, but at the same time, we want to play smart and use our heads,” Flavel said, outlining the team’s tactical approach for the upcoming season.
Veteran leadership will come from 38-year-old newcomer Takatoshi Furukawa, who steps in as team captain. Furukawa emphasized that despite their size, the team aims to utilize its mobility. “We have height, but we also want to play a brand of basketball that leverages our mobility,” Furukawa noted. “We value toughness and physicality, so we want to fully display our ability to move despite being big.”
Opening Matchup in Nagano
New Zealand men’s national team head coach Judd Flavel leads the revamped roster, maintaining close communication with players and reviewing formations during training sessions at the White Ring. The Brave Warriors open their B.Premier schedule on September 26 at 1:05 p.m., hosting Toyama in their season opener under the club’s guiding slogan: brave, bold, and unafraid.
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