New squad Nagasaki Velca begins their EASL campaign against the dangerous Busan KCC Egis

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Where: Happiness Arena, Nagasaki, Japan
When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 6:10 P.M. HKT

Group: Group B
Team Records: Nagasaki Velca (0-0)/ Busan KCC Egis (0-0)

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THE RUNDOWN‍

EASL action resumes this week, with the basketball scene shifting to Nagasaki, Japan. It’s a champion vs champion showdown, as the defending champions of the Japan B.LEAGUE, Nagasaki Velca, will look to bring their domination to another stage, debuting in the EASL against the Korean Basketball League Champions, Busan KCC Egis.

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‍NAGASAKI VELCA‍

Proving their worth already by winning a title in the B.LEAGUE, Nagasaki is now set to test itself against champions across Asia, as well as other established Asian clubs. 

Velca has been  one of the most fast-rising teams in the B.LEAGUE since joining in 2021. It won the third-division championship in their first season in the league, and after one season in B2, was promoted to B1 in 2022. Nagasaki would eventually complete its Cinderella run by winning the 2025-26 B.LEAGUE championship, defeating the Ryukyu Golden Kings along the way. It was a staggering six-year run for the squad, and now they are looking to expand their domination even further here in the EASL.

Nagasaki will be led by star guard Yudai Baba, who leads the team in steals and minutes per game played. Jarrell Brantley and Levi Randolph will also look to provide ample power for Velca.

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BUSAN KCC EGIS‍

Busan’s squad is KBL royalty, as it sits atop the KBL landscape with the most titles in its history. 

It did so after an underdog run that saw them finishing sixth in the regular season, and climbing their way all the way to the top of the mountain. 

With this, KCC has now won a staggering seventh championship, a testament to their longevity and sustained excellence.

However, it hasn’t been quite the same here in the EASL, as KCC adjusted to the new situation and challenge, finishing with a meek 1-5 record in their debut season. But with the new-found confidence brought by their KBL title, there is optimism that their second season will have a better ending. 

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SPOTLIGHT STORYLINE

Champion vs Champion‍

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It’s not everyday that fans get to watch the champions from two countries face-off, but that’s what we’re getting in this anticipated showdown between KCC and Velca.

Thus far, Nagasaki and Busan’s success have been on their home soil- but taking on challengers presents all types of trials- a different play style, a completely new roster to game plan for, and for Busan, a passionate fanbase that will be eager to cheer on Nagasaki until the very end.

With the two teams set to kick-off the 2026-27 EASL season, each win is crucial to rising to the top. Who will earn their first win of the season?