Mateo Rubio, Head Coach of the Fukui Blowins (Photo provided by Fukui Blowins)
The Fukui Blowins, a men’s basketball team in Japan’s B League Division 2 (B2), announced on May 11 that they have agreed to a contract extension with Head Coach Mateo Rubio (49) through the 2026-27 season.
Rubio, a native of Spain, served as Associate Head Coach supporting the head coach during the team’s first two years in the B League. In his third season, his first as the second head coach in franchise history, he led the team to a 35-25 record, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference (first wild card spot) and guiding the Blowins to the B2 Playoffs for the second consecutive year. In the quarterfinals against the Shinano Brave Warriors, the club recorded its first-ever playoff victory but ultimately fell 1-2 in the series.
Through a statement released by the club, Rubio expressed his gratitude and vision for the future: “A new era, new challenges, and new dreams are about to begin. I will never forget my gratitude to everyone who has walked this path with us and supported us, and I want to fight alongside all of you.” His comments referenced the team’s upcoming move to the new second division, “B League One (B One),” starting next season.
The club also announced a contract extension through the 2026-27 season for Top Assistant Coach Junki Nakahori (31), a native of Fukui City. Nakahori has been a member of the coaching staff since the Blowins’ founding.
Additionally, on May 11, the Blowins announced that Rapolas Ivanauskas (28, Lithuania) and Tobin Markus Kaishu (25, USA) have been placed on the free agent negotiation list. The team stated that it will continue negotiations with both players.