Keanu Pinder has hit a new gear in Japan. As Akita’s starting big, he is producing like a franchise option, and that level of form is putting him back in the Boomers conversation. Pinder is in the midst of a prime career stretch that has seen him exceed the 2 time NBL “Most Improved Player” form that first made him a star in Cairns.The primary storyline defining Pinder’s 2025-26 campaign is a shift in usage. In Perth, Pinder was often a secondary option behind heavy guard usage. In Akita, he has become a primary option and the box score shows it.

His dominance was on full display in back-to-back games against NeoPhoenix earlier this month (Jan 3rd and 4th). Pinder was unstoppable, posting 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists, followed immediately by a 21-point, 10-rebound performance. He is maintaining an average field goal percentage of 40% across his past 5 games, punishing smaller defenders in the paint and utilising his elite athleticism to catch lobs in transition.

Head Coach Mick Downer has recognized this shift, noting that Pinder’s gravity is now dictating how opposing defenses set up:

“A lot of teams really try and pack the paint and take away his attack at the rim. Force other guys to make plays…We’ve worked hard as a group to keep finding ways to put him in positions of advantage…He’s almost unguardable if we can get him the ball in the right situations.”

It isn’t just paint dominance, however. Downer also highlighted his evolving skill set following his massive weekend output:

“He’s been working hard on his 3 ball and has had some really big shooting nights for us as-well…KP’s coming off a big back to back performance over the weekend and we’re aiming to continue this thing in the right direction, improving both our teams play and utilizing KP’s amazing skill set.”

Since signing a one-year deal in June 2025, Pinder has embraced the “Franchise Player” mantle. The Japanese style of play which is transition heavy, fast-paced, and reliant on athletic bigs running the floor has unlocked the version of Pinder that dominated the NBL years ago, he has now become the focal point.

Boomers Call Up

Before Akita, Pinder had a brief CBA stint with Shanxi, averaging 18.5 points and 7.8 rebounds across four games. More importantly, his move to Asia has not hurt his Boomers standing.

In November 2025, Pinder was recalled to the Boomers squad for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, replacing an injured Will Magnay. The call up sent a clear message, despite leaving the domestic scene, Pinder remains a core rotational big for the national program.

With his one year deal ending around May 2026, the next question is simple. Does he take another major offer in Japan, where the salary cap and number of high paying roles gives clubs more spending power than the NBL, or does he return home as a ready made impact big?

If Pinder does decide to return to the NBL, he is the type of piece that can change a team’s ceiling immediately. High level athletic bigs who can produce as a primary option are rare, and his current form suggests he would not just help a roster, he could shift a contender into a championship level frontcourt.