In nearly two months, the bj-league will begin its seventh season. The fact that the league still exists is, well, an accomplishment; many upstart circuits don't survive this long.

But, as we make an honest assessment of the situation, this must be said: The fledgling basketball circuit is at the crossroads.

Is the league satisfied to remain a minor player, a niche sport, in this nation despite having teams in 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, and more on the way in 2012-13?