When the 2013-14 season tips off in October, three head coaches are expected to be in charge of the same Western Conference teams from the get-go for a third straight season. That fraternity of three is comprised of Kenzo Maeda of the Takamatsu Five ...

There was something refreshing, interesting and fun about the Yokohama B-Corsairs from the beginning. It wasn’t always the easiest thing to explain in a few short words. Sure, there were the carefully orchestrated parts — the Xs and Os, in-game adjustments — but the ...

Another offseason of major change is already in full swing. As a wizened comic might blurt out, “There no end to the chaos.” The Miyazaki Shining Suns have exited the bj-league after three seasons of financial woes and an accumulation of outstanding debt to ...

The Ryukyu Golden Kings failed to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2007-08, their inaugural season in the bj-league. That result proved to be unacceptable to team management. Thus, despite a league-record 42-10 record, head coach Koto Toyama’s contract was not ...

One team’s quest for a first title has ended. The other team’s fight will continue next season. The Yokohama B-Corsairs outplayed the Rizing Fukuoka in Sunday’s bj-league championship game, controlling the tempo for larger stretches and making enough timely baskets to fill an instructional ...

Masayuki Kabaya, the Yokohama B-Corsairs captain, knocked down five 3-pointers — all five attempts — in a mesmerizing 35-point performance that had fans from both teams dropping their jaws in astonishment. Kabaya was named the playoff MVP after helping Yokohama capture its first championship, ...

Unbelievable energy. Splendid self confidence. Never-wavering faith in his abilities or his teammates. Those are ingredients to success for Draelon Burns, the Yokohama B-Corsairs’ super substitute. Burns buried a remarkable three buzzer-beating shots to close out the three final quarters, and his team needed ...

It is impossible to hide their collective desire to win a championship. For the Rizing Fukuoka, the intensity of their 55th game this season produced a collective trademark that was evident since the start of the 2012-13 bj-league season: Reggie Warren’s fiery leadership, Julius ...

One victory separated the Eastern Conference regular-season champion Niigata Albirex BB and the second-place Yokohama B-Corsairs in the standings. That one game is indicative of the talent, roster depth, experience and quality coaching for both teams. Niigata finished 36-16 in Matt Garrison’s second season ...

The Rizing Fukuoka and Kyoto Hannaryz renew their rivalry on Saturday in the Western Conference final at Ariake Colosseum. Tipoff is set for 2:10 p.m. The winner will book a spot in the final for the first time, and face the Niigata Albirex BB-Yokohama ...

The Japan Times features periodic interviews with players in the bj-league. Marcus Cousin of the Kyoto Hannaryz is the subject of this week’s profile. Position: Center Age: 26 Ht: 211 cm Wt: 116 kg Hometown: Baltimore College: Houston (final two seasons), Seton Hall Noteworthy: ...