said on Friday that foreign players registered in the Japan Basketball League (JBL) will not be allowed to take part in the 2003 national championships.
JABBA explained that the rule was taken to allow Japanese players increased playing opportunities.
One non-Japanese national per team, however, will still be admitted on court at the 2002 tournament with two players on the bench.
The JBL comprises 16 top men's amateur teams sponsored by major companies nationwide, which are divided into two leagues -- the Super League and the Japan League.
Twenty-nine men's and women's teams selected by the JBL, the Women's Japan Basketball League and the national student government, will compete in the Jan. 2-14 nationals at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and the Yoyogi national gymnasium annex.