Matthew Wright can have the golden opportunity to compete for some serious B.LEAGUE wins as he joins the historic Kawasaki Brave Thunders team.
Right place, right time?
The 2024-25 B.LEAGUE season signals a fresh start for Matthew Wright as he suits up for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, a perennial powerhouse aiming to return to title contention.
Now entering his third season in Japan, Wright makes his debut for Kawasaki after two solid years with the Kyoto Hannaryz, where he averaged 13.4 points in his first season and 13.1 points last year.
With his move to Kawasaki, Wright steps into a new role on a team with a rich history, but one currently in transition.
[Related: B.LEAGUE: Wright fastest Pinoy to score 1k in Japan]
Wright's shift to Kawasaki represents a significant milestone in his career, which includes successful stints in the PBA.
The Brave Thunders are one of the B.LEAGUE’s most decorated teams, having made the playoffs six times and securing five Emperor’s Cup titles, most recently in 2021 and 2022.
However, last season’s 33-27 record saw them miss the playoffs, prompting a roster shakeup in hopes of reclaiming their dominant form.
A major challenge for Kawasaki this season is filling the void left by former MVPs Nick Fazekas, who retired, and Yuuma Fuji, who departed in free agency.
As one of five new additions to the team, Wright will be expected to provide a steady scoring presence and veteran leadership. His experience, not only in Japan but also in high-level competition in the Philippines, positions him as a key figure in Kawasaki’s efforts to rebuild and make another deep playoff run.
The Brave Thunders have bolstered their roster with other key signings, including Sacha Killeya-Jones and Alize Johnson. Johnson is fresh off a championship run with Busan KCC Egis in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
[Related: Matthew Wright signs with a perennial B.League contender in the Kawasaki Brave Thunders]
For Wright, joining Kawasaki is more than just a fresh opportunity—it's a chance to finally compete for a title in Japan. This new chapter for the Filipino-Canadian sniper unfolds with a home opener against the Akita Northern Happinets on October 5 and 6.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]