Power forward Joe Werner, one of the top newcomers in the bj-league last season, will return for another go-round in Japan.

But the Chiba Jets, the team he helped carry into the playoffs while averaging 19.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, are no longer in the 21-team circuit. The Jets have defected to the 12-team National Basketball League (renamed JBL).

Instead, Werner is joining the Kyoto Hannaryz, who are coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances under bench boss Honoo Hamaguchi.