John Lawrence Harper Jr. of Sunrockers Shibuya Wins B.LEAGUE Rookie of the Year

We are pleased to announce that John Lawrence Harper Jr., a player for Sunrockers Shibuya in the B.LEAGUE 1st division (operated by Sunrockers Co., Ltd.; Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Yasunori Kanda; to be renamed 'Tokyo Sunrockers' on July 1, 2026), has won the 'Rookie of the Year' award at the 'B.LEAGUE AWARD SHOW 2025-26' held on Friday, May 29, 2026.

This award is presented to the rookie player who performed the best during the regular season, as voted for by all B1 head coaches, all B1 players, and media representatives. Harper Jr. is the second player from Sunrockers Shibuya to win this award, following Leo Vendrame in the 2016-17 season.

Harper Jr. joined as a specially designated player in the 2023-24 season and officially began his professional career in December of the 2024-25 season. In his rookie year (2025-26 season), he established himself as a starter from GAME 2 of the Chiba Jets match on December 14, leading the team as a point guard. His speed, aggressive defense, and high-energy style brought momentum to the team on both ends of the court. He was also called up to the Japanese national team, marking a major breakthrough.

Harper Jr. is scheduled to play for 'Tokyo Sunrockers' in the 'Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2026-27 Season,' which begins in September 2026.

■ Award Comment

'Hello to all the Sunrockers family.
I am very honored to have received such a prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

I believe I was able to win this award thanks to the support of the coaches, staff, advice from veteran players, and your warm encouragement. Thank you very much.

However, I feel responsible for the fact that it has been a very frustrating season for the team. Next season, I will fight to clear away this regret and bring many victories to all of you in the family.

I look forward to your continued support!'

■ John Lawrence Harper Jr.

Number: 3
Position: PG
Date of Birth: February 9, 2003
Height/Weight: 181cm/82kg
Birthplace: Okinawa
School: Tokai University

■ Career:
2020-21: Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE B1) *Specially designated player
2022-23: Gunma Crane Thunders (B.LEAGUE B1) *Specially designated player
2023-24: Sunrockers Shibuya (B.LEAGUE B1) *Specially designated player
2024-: Sunrockers Shibuya (B.LEAGUE B1)

■ Messages from seniors who also won the Rookie of the Year award:

Yuki Kawamura (NBA Chicago Bulls, alumnus of Fukuoka Daiichi High School/Tokai University) and Leo Vendrame (winner of the first Rookie of the Year in 2016-17) sent congratulatory messages.

- Yuki Kawamura (NBA Chicago Bulls):
'Junior, congratulations on the Rookie of the Year. Since we shared hard times as teammates in high school and university, and you are like a younger brother to me, I am truly happy. I still fondly remember you asking me to play one-on-one after practice. I was convinced back then that your aggressive defense, born from your desire to never lose, would work at the highest level in the future. I am so glad that your hard work has paid off with this Rookie of the Year award. I hope this award serves as a springboard for you to fly even higher! Stay humble and never forget to be grateful. Congratulations!'

- Leo Vendrame:
'JJ, congratulations on winning Rookie of the Year. I was truly happy and inspired to see you become more reliable with each passing game. I believe it is significant that you won this award at this milestone moment in the league's history. As the first winner, I feel very happy that we competed on the same stage and that the torch is being passed to the next generation. I look forward to your future success. Congratulations again!'