With its 2012-13 campaign getting under way this weekend, the Japan Basketball League, which will be rebranded as the National Basketball League next fall, promises to entertain the fans as much as possible in its final season under the old name.
The new season will tip off with matchups between the Toyota Motors Alvark and Link Tochigi Brex, and the Toshiba Brave Thunders and Mitsubishi Electric Dolphins on Friday. Each of the eight teams will play 42 games, with the regular season wrapping up on March 24. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs.
The best-of-five JBL Finals will start on April 17.