[Yokohama Excellence] Announcement of Contract Renewals for Tray Boyd III, Elyjah Williams, and Benjamin Lawson for the 2026-27 Season

Thank you for your continued support of Yokohama Excellence.

Yokohama Excellence is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement to renew the player contracts with the following players for the 2026-27 season.
(*Numbers are from the 2025-26 season.)

#1 Tray Boyd III

[Number] 1
[Position] SG
[Height/Weight] 193cm/84kg
[Date of Birth] December 8, 1998
[Place of Birth] United States of America
[Career]
East Tennessee State University
2022-23 Vichy-Clermont (France)
2023-24 Fukui Blowinds
2024-25 Yokohama Excellence (*Loan transfer)
2025- Yokohama Excellence

Comment

YERRPP!!
Wassup EXCELLENCE fans, I’m excited to announce that i will be returning to this fantastic club and do our best to chase championships together again.

I truly have enjoyed the last two seasons here and feel very excited that I am in a position to choose this situation for another season.
I’m excited to see what the future holds. Thank you to all involved that made this decision possible.
Go EXCELLENCE.

GM Takaki Ishida's Comment

In addition to his overwhelming scoring ability, his decisiveness, which increases even more during clutch time, has led the club to victory many times. I believe many people are fascinated not only by his scoring but also by his greedy attitude toward winning.

His presence as a leader of the club has increased, and it is reassuring to see him inspiring his teammates.
His range of play expands year by year, and his assists have surged this season. We expect further evolution.

Please look forward to his spectacular performances that will excite the venue and bring in victories.
Please continue to support Tray Boyd III and Yokohama Excellence next season.

#21 Elyjah Williams

[Number] 21
[Position] PF
[Height/Weight] 201cm/100kg
[Date of Birth] September 22, 1998
[Place of Birth] United States of America
[Career]
Northwestern University
2022-23 Decic (Montenegro)
2023-24 NH Ostrava (Czech Republic)
2024- Yokohama Excellence

Comment

I’m really excited to come back to Yokohama.
This feels like my home and the support from the fans is the best in Japan. I’m excited to come back and see everyone and compete for a championship.
GO EXCELLENCE.

GM Takaki Ishida's Comment

He is like a gear in the club, expanding the range of Yokohama Excellence's tactics with his versatile play.
Sometimes he maximizes the strength of his teammates, and other times he can shine overwhelmingly with his own scoring ability. We are always amazed by his versatility to play positions 1 through 5.

His attitude of constantly talking to his teammates and trying to build better chemistry is wonderful, and he is a player who puts his body on the line and exerts his strength especially in difficult situations.

Please look forward to his spirit that grabs the hearts of supporters and his figure that brings in victories.
Please continue to support Elyjah Williams and Yokohama Excellence next season.

#34 Benjamin Lawson

[Number] 34
[Position] C
[Height/Weight] 216cm/118kg
[Date of Birth] June 12, 1995
[Place of Birth] United Kingdom
[Career]
Western Kentucky University
2017-18 European University of Lefke
2018-19 Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka
2019-20 Fighting Eagles Nagoya
2020-21 Koshigaya Alphas -> Kyoto Hannaryz -> Fighting Eagles Nagoya
2021-23 Kumamoto Volters
2023-25 Fukui Blowinds
2025- Yokohama Excellence

Comment

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement!
I’m excited to compete with Yokohama EXCELLENCE in the 2026-27 season.

Since joining this club, I’ve felt the incredible support and strong sense of connection from everyone involved. From the organization to the fans, I’ve truly felt welcomed, and it has made me even more motivated to give everything I have for this team.

I’m ready to fight for this club and work together to achieve great things in Yokohama.

Please look forward to the blocks and defensive presence as I protect the paint and anchor our defense.

GM Takaki Ishida's Comment

He shows a dynamism in both offense and defense that is unimaginable from his 216cm size.

As a guardian under the goal, he keeps opponents away, and his presence running at the front of the court is unique. We have been saved many times by his dedicated performances putting his body on the line. He is also excellent at utilizing his teammates by setting high-quality screens.
Being able to become a spiritual pillar of the club with his abundant experience is a great asset for our young team.

Please look forward to seeing him constantly putting his body on the line and fighting against opposing big men for victory.
Please continue to support Benjamin Lawson and Yokohama Excellence next season.

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Yokohama Excellence Inc.

A professional basketball club based in Yokohama.
Formerly active as 'Tokyo Excellence', the club changed its name to 'Yokohama Excellence / YOKOHAMA EXCELLENCE' in 2021 following the relocation of its home town to Yokohama.
The club name expresses a way of life that never spares effort for self-improvement, which is 'Strive for Excellence'.
In other words, 'EXCELLENCE' means 'wonderful' in all aspects of mind, technique, and body.