Tokyo Apache coach Bob Hill sees the big picture: Forward Jeremy Tyler is an integral part of the team's championship aspirations.

You could argue that the 19-year-old Tyler, projected as a future NBA player, is the team's X-factor.

Yet due to the team's awkward schedule — the Apache's first 12 games have been played away from the capital city — Hill has worked diligently to try and put the 210-cm big man in the right spots to be successful.