Makoto Hiejima, 29, of the Japanese B.League team Utsunomiya Brex is ready to represent Japan in “The Terrific 12.” He is confident about the performance of Japanese players in the upcoming international basketball tournament of the East Asia Super League.

The EASL will hold “The Terrific 12” from September 17-22, 2019 at the Tap Seac Multi-Sport Pavilion in Macao, China. The event presents an opportunity to showcase respective leagues and players to basketball fans in other geographies.

The best clubs and players from China, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines will go up against their international champion counterparts in “The Terrific 12.” The international basketball tournament is recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA).

“Although the Japanese teams are getting stronger, there’s a need to experience more games against top opponents through EASL,” Hiejima stated. “We will energize not only Asia, but also the world via the games.”

Born in Fukuoka, Japan on April 11, 1990, Hiejima went to Rakunan in Kyoto, Japan and in Aoyama Gakuin University in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. He played for the Aisin SeaHorses Mikawa from 2013 to 2018.

Hiejima signed with Utsunomiya Brex in July 2018 and with the National Basketball League team Brisbane Bullets of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia in August 2018.

On January 5, 2019, the Bullets released Hiejima. He joined the Utsunomiya Brex on January 9, 2019 for the rest of the season.

“The Terrific 12” is filled to the brim with All-Star and national team talent from the best teams across East Asia. The teams are championship contenders in their respective leagues.

Full five-day tournament packages are also available at MOP 400 (standard ticket). Tickets are available for purchase through the following three ways:

1. Online purchasing via online ticketing platforms Macau Ticketing, DaMai Tickets, Qupiaowang and com.cn
2. Retail outlets of Macau Ticketing
3. On-site ticketing counter of Macau Ticketing at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion (available on September 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22, 2019)

Teams are leaving nothing to chance and have assembled their best rosters, including national team players and foreign imports. Meanwhile, here is a clip from the EASL: