For 11 seasons, Toshimitsu Kawachi was the face of the bj-league. As the only commissioner in league history, he was the front man for the league's growth from six teams in the 2005-06 season to 24 clubs this past season as well as its success stories and problems.

Players, coaches, fans and the media, among others, all wanted a moment with Kawachi for a variety of reasons at various times — often overlapping times — during that period. He mediated disputes and spoke to the press at All-Star Games, Final Fours and the annual draft.

Now, in his post-commissioner life, Kawachi, 62, has a less-demanding job. Last Friday, he was named technical adviser to the new B. League, which combines the bj-league, NBL and NBDL and tips off its first season on Sept. 22.