What: EASL Tip Off 2025 Taipei 

Where: Taipei Heping Gymnasium 

When: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m. CST 

Team Records: Taipei Fubon Braves (0-0) / Utsunomiya Brex (0-0)

Where to Watch: Ticket Information / Broadcast Information 

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PROJECTED STARTERS 

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Taipei Fubon Braves: 

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PG: Chen You-Wei — 183cm / 83kg

SG: Archie Goodwin — 196cm / 91kg

SF: Chou Kuei Yu — 193cm / 95kg

PF: Olufemi Olujobi — 206cm / 114kg 

C: Mouhamed Mbaye —  205cm / 100kg

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Utsunomiya Brex: 

PG: D.J. Newbill — 193cm / 96kg

SG: Shinji Takashima — 191cm / 90kg

SF: Makoto Hiejima — 191cm / 87kg 

PF: Isaac Fotu — 203cm / 108kg

C: Gavin Edwards — 206cm / 112kg

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THE RUNDOWN 

The first game of EASL Tip Off 2025 Taipei features two familiar faces to the league. The Taipei Fubon Braves return for the first time since the 2023–24 season, while for Utsunomiya it has been even longer — the Brex last appeared before EASL adopted its home-and-away format, competing in the 2023 Champions Week tournament.

This matchup brings together the P. LEAGUE+ team with the most championships (Fubon Braves, 3) and the B.LEAGUE team with the most championships (Brex, 3), setting up a true test between the premier clubs of their respective leagues.

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THE FUBON BRAVES 

The 2024–25 season ended in heartbreak for the Fubon Braves, who pushed eventual champions Taoyuan to seven games before falling short.

In the offseason, the Braves overhauled their roster, releasing all of their import players soon after the season and starting fresh. Headline additions include former Kentucky standout and ex-Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin, center Troy Gillenwater from the CBA, and Olufemi Olujobi, who arrives after a season in Japan’s B.LEAGUE. Joining them is local big man Tseng Hsiang-Chun, who reunites with Olujobi after playing together last season for the Nagoya Fighting Eagles in Japan.

Beyond the signings, the biggest storyline is the announcement from Chinese Taipei basketball legend Lin Chih-Chieh that the 2025–26 season will be his last. Nicknamed “The Beast,” Lin is the oldest active player in the P. LEAGUE+ at 43.

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THE BREX 

Utsunomiya may have had one of its most successful offseasons to date. After winning its third B.LEAGUE championship in May, the Brex had little time to rest before traveling to Dubai for the FIBA Basketball Champions League Asia Cup, where they captured another title by defeating Lebanese side Al Riyadi.

On the back of that success, Utsunomiya kept its core intact, retaining all of its imports as well as many of its promising younger players who are poised to take another step forward this season. Leading the way is reigning two-time B.LEAGUE MVP D.J. Newbill, who averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists last year.

Supporting him is a strong cast of role players. Makoto Hiejima, one of Japan’s all-time greats, enters after leading the B.LEAGUE in 3-point shooting percentage. Naturalized big man Gavin Edwards adds versatility with his ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from deep. Young talent Shinji Takashima is also a name to watch. 

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SPOTLIGHT STORYLINE

• ALL TIME GREATS — Between these two heavyweights, Taipei Fubon’s Lin Chih-Chieh isn’t the only legend. Utsunomiya’s Yuta Tabuse, a 45-year-old point guard, is best remembered for becoming the first Japanese player to appear in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns. While neither Lin nor Tabuse are expected to play major minutes, their presence on the same stage is significant — two pioneers who helped pave the way for the current generation of Asian basketball talent.