Under first-year coach Takatoshi Ishibashi the Shiga Lakestars have emerged as a dangerous, difficult-to-beat team.
Shiga, coming off a two-game road sweep over Oita on Monday and Tuesday, are 9-3 and occupy the top spot in the bj-league's Western Conference.
"Coach Ishibashi is doing a great job of preparing our team each and every week," Shiga standout Mikey Marshall told The Japan Times on Wednesday. "He's also doing a great job of balancing practice and rest throughout the week. Coach Ishibashi is also showing great confidence in all of the Lakestars players, and I think that is one huge keys to our team's success."