Johnathan Williams, who won PBA Best Import in the Commissioner's Cup with Phoenix, signs with the Toyama Grouses in the B.League Division 1.
Johnathan Williams is making a return to Japan, signing with the Toyama Grouses, the team announced Tuesday.
Williams of course is the PBA’s most recent Best Import, after leading the Phoenix Fuel Masters’ semifinals run in the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.
With the Fuel Masters, Williams averaged 24.5 points, 16.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks to power Phoenix to the no. 4 seed with an 8-3 record.
Phoenix lost in the semifinals though, a 1-3 decision to the top-ranked Magnolia Hotshots.
In Japan, Williams will join the Grouses that also feature AJ Edu, although the young Filipino forward has been sidelined since November with a torn meniscus.
The Philippine connection won’t stop in Toyama however, as Williams will partner up with former Converge and TNT import Quincy Miller was world imports for the Grouses.
This will be William’s second tour of duty in the B.League after playing with FE Nagoya last season.
Other notable former PBA imports currently playing in Japan now include three-time Best Import Allen Durham with B1 champion Ryukyu and Joshua Smith playing with Ray Parks Jr. in Nagoya.