India’s Arvinder Singh in Japan for B3 Basketball League
The 6-foot-8-inch forward becomes only the fourth desi male cager - and fifth overall - to play professional basketball in Japan.
Indian basketball forward Arvinder Singh Kahlon has signed with Yamaguchi Patsfive, a professional 5v5 club playing in Japan’s B3 League.
The 22-year-old follows in the footsteps of fellow Punjab players Amritpal Singh, Amjyot Singh, Palpreet Singh Brar, and Anmolpreet Kaur to sign with a team in Japan’s professional basketball system.
The Barnala-born youngster has already joined the squad in Japan, with Yamaguchi set to play their home opener on Saturday, September 27. The B3 League, Japan’s third division, consists of 15 teams, with each team playing 52 games per season.
Role at Yamaguchi
At the club, Kahlon joins American imports Bostyn Holt and Freddie McSwain Jr., along with Japanese players Rikiya Yamaguchi and Shuto Kishinaga. Given his playing style, the team is expected to use Kahlon as a versatile forward who can combine shooting with a defensive presence.
Speaking exclusively to Ekalavyas, Kahlon expressed pride at creating history in Japan:
“I am very excited. It is an honor to follow my seniors’ footsteps and…play in Japan. My aim is to keep working hard and hopefully move to the B2 and B1 leagues one day.”
Kahlon, who stands 6-foot-8-inch tall, will wear the No. 8 jersey.
The announcement also stated that under league rules, “Singh will become the Asian Special Frame player and will be treated as a Japanese player.”
Started in the 2020-21 season, the Asia special quota allows players from 13 regional countries to not be counted as international players, promoting competitiveness in the region.
Pathway to Japan
Hailing from Ludhiana, Punjab, Kahlon initially experimented with shot put before his coach encouraged his move to the Ludhiana Basketball Academy. Within a year, his talent drew attention, earning him a spot in the NBA Academy in Noida.
Kahlon also participated in the 2019 Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp in Tokyo, gaining valuable international exposure before transitioning into the senior national team.
Earlier this year, Kahlon caught the attention of veteran NBA scout Gary Boyson during the INBL Combine in Noida. Boyson, who has previously worked with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, helped him contact overseas clubs, and the Yamaguchi Patsfive offered him a spot.
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