THE B. League All-Star Game has been mothballed for the second straight year due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in Japan.
League president Shinji Shimada yesterday announced the cancellation of the Jan. 14 to 15 midseason showpiece at the Okinawa Arena after 12 players either tested positive for the lethal virus or were ruled as close contacts.
“We had a strong desire to energize the host city through the B. League All-Star Game. It is unfortunate that the event has been canceled for the second consecutive year. We have been preparing for this event with the help of Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa City, and many other people. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa City, Okinawa Basketball Association, our partners, the media, and everyone involved for their cooperation,” Shimada said in a statement posted on the league’s website.
