Indonesian basketball player Derrick Michael joins the Japanese League
JAKARTA - Indonesian basketball player, Derrick Michael Xzavierro, officially joined the Saga Ballooners club in Japan's highest level competition, the B.League Premier.
The certainty was conveyed directly by the club and an official statement from the Indonesian Basketball Association Central Representative Council (DPP Perbasi) on Friday, June 12, 2026.
"With gratitude and pride, I announce that I have officially joined the Saga Ballooners and will start my professional career in Japan's B.League Premier next season," Derrick said in an official statement received by the media.
Derrick Michael's adventure with the Saga Ballooners marked the beginning of his professional basketball career. The decision was made after he completed his bachelor's degree in May 2026.
This step is an important moment after four years Derrick struggled as a student athlete of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I with Grand Canyon University and Long Beach State University.
Derrick expressed his gratitude to the Saga Ballooners for giving him the trust to be part of the team.
"I am grateful to Saga Ballooners for this trust and honored to be part of an organization that continues to grow," said Derrick, who led the Indonesian National Team to win the gold medal from 5 X 5 basketball at the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games and the bronze at the 2025 SEA Games.
Derrick is the first Indonesian-born player to compete in Japan's highest level basketball league. He followed in the footsteps of Indonesian national team player, California-born Bradon Jawato, as well as Abraham Damar Grahita and Ali Bagir Wayarabi Alhadar who have competed in the third level league.
"I also thank my beloved mother, coach, teammates, and all Indonesian basketball fans for the support they have given me during my journey," said Derrick.
Derrick also thanked the DPP Perbasi leadership for continuing to support his journey as a basketball player, especially to the General Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono and the National Team Head Syailendra Bakrie.
"I realize this is just the beginning. I came to Japan to continue to grow, compete at the highest level, and give my best for the team and the country."
"Thank you for all the support. This is the beginning of a new chapter that I live with gratitude and a spirit to continue to give my best," he said.
Derrick Michael Xzavierro was born in Jakarta on April 1, 2003. The player with a height of 2.08 meters plays in the power forward position.
He previously recorded his career at the NBA Global Academy (Canberra, Australia), Grand Canyon University (2022-2024) and Long Beach State University (2024-2026).