Announcement of New Player Contract: #34 Hugh Watanabe
Ibaraki Robots announced a new player contract with #34 Hugh Watanabe for the Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2026-27 season. The contract is for two years through the 2027-28 season, with a player option for the 2027-28 season. Watanabe is a 207cm PF who has represented Japan in the Olympics and World Cup qualifiers. His previous team was the Shinbu Brave Warriors.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 15:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 7, 2026 at 00:38 (81h 18m after Collected)
Ibaraki Robots is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement on a player contract with #34 Hugh Watanabe for the Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2026-27 season.
The contract is for a two-year period through the 2027-28 season.
#34 Hugh Watanabe
Position
PF
Height/Weight
207cm/106kg
Date of Birth
December 13, 1998
Place of Birth
United States of America
Alma Mater
University of California, Davis (Graduate School)
Career
2021-24: Ryukyu Golden Kings
2024-26: Shinbu Brave Warriors
2026-: Ibaraki Robots
Japan National Team History
2021: FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers
2021: Tokyo 2020 Olympics
2023: FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers
2024: Paris 2024 Olympics
2025: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers
2026: FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers
Contract Period
Two-year contract through the 2027-28 season
*The 2027-28 season includes a player option.
Comment from Hugh Watanabe
"People of Ibaraki! I am truly looking forward to joining this team and stepping onto the premier league stage with all of you.
Let's support each other through the ups and downs of the coming season and work together to aim for the championship."
Comment from GM Yoshihisa Ochiai
"We have reached an agreement on a two-year contract (with a player option) with Hugh Watanabe for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
We are truly happy and proud to welcome a rare big man who has competed against world-class teams as a member of the Japanese national team here to Ibaraki. We deeply thank Hugh for believing in our vision and making the decision to carve out a new era with us.
Hugh's greatest strengths are his speed, which belies his overwhelming 207cm size, and his phenomenal rim protection ability that guards the basket. His spectacular block shots and offensive rebounds that provide second-chance opportunities for the team will not only solve the inside issues we faced last season but will also further accelerate the Robots' signature up-tempo transition basketball.
We are in the midst of a challenge to transform into a winning organization for the new era of 'B.PREMIER.' Adding Hugh, who possesses international experience and toughness, will be a solid foundation for Ibaraki Robots to rapidly rise as a league powerhouse. His energetic play will surely elevate the excitement in the arena to new heights.
Please give a warm welcome to Hugh, who carries the future of Japanese basketball. And we ask for your utmost enthusiasm and support for the Robots' upcoming battles."
The contract is for a two-year period through the 2027-28 season.
#34 Hugh Watanabe
Position
PF
Height/Weight
207cm/106kg
Date of Birth
December 13, 1998
Place of Birth
United States of America
Alma Mater
University of California, Davis (Graduate School)
Career
2021-24: Ryukyu Golden Kings
2024-26: Shinbu Brave Warriors
2026-: Ibaraki Robots
Japan National Team History
2021: FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers
2021: Tokyo 2020 Olympics
2023: FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers
2024: Paris 2024 Olympics
2025: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers
2026: FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers
Contract Period
Two-year contract through the 2027-28 season
*The 2027-28 season includes a player option.
Comment from Hugh Watanabe
"People of Ibaraki! I am truly looking forward to joining this team and stepping onto the premier league stage with all of you.
Let's support each other through the ups and downs of the coming season and work together to aim for the championship."
Comment from GM Yoshihisa Ochiai
"We have reached an agreement on a two-year contract (with a player option) with Hugh Watanabe for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
We are truly happy and proud to welcome a rare big man who has competed against world-class teams as a member of the Japanese national team here to Ibaraki. We deeply thank Hugh for believing in our vision and making the decision to carve out a new era with us.
Hugh's greatest strengths are his speed, which belies his overwhelming 207cm size, and his phenomenal rim protection ability that guards the basket. His spectacular block shots and offensive rebounds that provide second-chance opportunities for the team will not only solve the inside issues we faced last season but will also further accelerate the Robots' signature up-tempo transition basketball.
We are in the midst of a challenge to transform into a winning organization for the new era of 'B.PREMIER.' Adding Hugh, who possesses international experience and toughness, will be a solid foundation for Ibaraki Robots to rapidly rise as a league powerhouse. His energetic play will surely elevate the excitement in the arena to new heights.
Please give a warm welcome to Hugh, who carries the future of Japanese basketball. And we ask for your utmost enthusiasm and support for the Robots' upcoming battles."
FAQ
Which university did Hugh Watanabe attend?
He attended the University of California, Davis (Graduate School).
When does the contract start?
It starts from the 2026-27 season.
What is Hugh Watanabe's jersey number?
It is #34.