Japan's Basketball Academy Triumphs at 2026 MADCUP in Madrid with Stellar Youth Teams
The Basketball Japan Academy (bj Academy), established in Tokyo and led by Director Hideki Higashi, has made notable strides in youth sports development through the EPG Corporation collaboration in the international cultivation project "bj GLOCAL CHALLENGE". Recently, from March 29 to April 1, 2026, the academy's official teams competed at the MADCUP BASKET 2026 held in Madrid, Spain. Three categories—U12 boys, U14 boys, and U14 girls—achieved impressive results that showcase the growing potential of Japanese youth basketball.
The U12 boys team, showcasing incredible offensive power, speed, and the organizational skills typical of Japanese basketball, achieved a "clean sweep" by winning every match they played.
Group Stage Results:
Final Tournament Results:
Final Standing: Champion
Tournament MVP: Kairi Ito (伊藤 快理)
The team's ability to dominate their opponents, combined with tactical prowess, led to an outstanding performance worthy of celebration.
The U14 girls team exhibited extraordinary skills, speed, and resilience, maintaining control throughout their matches against formidable rivals for an unbeaten championship.
Group Stage Results:
Final Tournament Results:
Final Standing: Champion
Tournament MVP: Nikoa Yamada (山田 笑愛)
Their undefeated journey confirms their exceptional teamwork and skill development through rigorous training.
The U14 boys faced a series of intense challenges against tough European teams and finished 4th overall. Their matches were competitive, showing they are contenders on the global stage.
Group Stage Results:
Final Tournament Results:
Final Standing: 4th Place
Director Higashi remarked that participating in the MADCUP was a pivotal step towards recognizing global challenges as an essential part of youth development in Japan. All teams, especially the victorious U12 boys and U14 girls, as well as the competitive U14 boys, have grown significantly through this tournament. Bj GLOCAL CHALLENGE is committed to creating a developmental environment connected to the global stage, continuously providing opportunities for future players representing Japanese basketball.
Looking ahead, the bj Academy plans to sustain international and domestic training activities throughout 2026, including international tours, participation in global tournaments, exchange programs with European clubs, domestic training camps, and the expansion of the global development program. Updates will be announced through the official website and social media channels.
For inquiries regarding this matter, please reach out to the Basketball Japan Academy's Public Relations representative: Kimura
Email: [email protected]
Official Website: Basketball Japan Academy
In conclusion, MADCUP BASKET 2026 has been a significant milestone for the Basketball Japan Academy, showcasing young talent and reaffirming Japan's commitment to fostering a vibrant basketball future.
Tournament Highlights: MADCUP BASKET 2026
🏀 U12 Boys - Champions
The U12 boys team, showcasing incredible offensive power, speed, and the organizational skills typical of Japanese basketball, achieved a "clean sweep" by winning every match they played.
Group Stage Results:
- - 98-47 vs Baloncesto
- - 77-59 vs Mostoles
- - 51-0 vs San Agustin
Final Tournament Results:
- - Semifinals: 71-20 vs Barea B
- - Finals: 104-55 vs MAJADAHONDA
Final Standing: Champion
Tournament MVP: Kairi Ito (伊藤 快理)
The team's ability to dominate their opponents, combined with tactical prowess, led to an outstanding performance worthy of celebration.
🏀 U14 Girls - Champions
The U14 girls team exhibited extraordinary skills, speed, and resilience, maintaining control throughout their matches against formidable rivals for an unbeaten championship.
Group Stage Results:
- - 71-59 vs Baloncesto
- - 86-34 vs Estudiantes
- - 66-16 vs Barea B
Final Tournament Results:
- - Semifinals: 88-59 vs Barea A
- - Finals: 95-67 vs BALONCESTO
Final Standing: Champion
Tournament MVP: Nikoa Yamada (山田 笑愛)
Their undefeated journey confirms their exceptional teamwork and skill development through rigorous training.
🏀 U14 Boys - 4th Place
The U14 boys faced a series of intense challenges against tough European teams and finished 4th overall. Their matches were competitive, showing they are contenders on the global stage.
Group Stage Results:
- - 52-1 vs Estudiantes
- - 72-61 vs Mostoles
Final Tournament Results:
- - Semifinals: 66-76 vs Barea A
- - 3rd Place Match: 79-103 vs OBRADOIRO
Final Standing: 4th Place
Message from Director Hideki Higashi
Director Higashi remarked that participating in the MADCUP was a pivotal step towards recognizing global challenges as an essential part of youth development in Japan. All teams, especially the victorious U12 boys and U14 girls, as well as the competitive U14 boys, have grown significantly through this tournament. Bj GLOCAL CHALLENGE is committed to creating a developmental environment connected to the global stage, continuously providing opportunities for future players representing Japanese basketball.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, the bj Academy plans to sustain international and domestic training activities throughout 2026, including international tours, participation in global tournaments, exchange programs with European clubs, domestic training camps, and the expansion of the global development program. Updates will be announced through the official website and social media channels.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this matter, please reach out to the Basketball Japan Academy's Public Relations representative: Kimura
Email: [email protected]
Official Website: Basketball Japan Academy
In conclusion, MADCUP BASKET 2026 has been a significant milestone for the Basketball Japan Academy, showcasing young talent and reaffirming Japan's commitment to fostering a vibrant basketball future.
Topics Sports）
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