Guard Takanori Goya is one of the bj-league's most well-known players, even though his career has been saddled by injuries.
The 30-year-old native of Okinawa was selected No.1 by the Toyama Grouses in the 2006 bj-league draft, and has suited up for the Grouses (2006-08), Osaka Evessa (2008), Rizing Fukuoka (2008-09), Tokyo Apache (2009-11) and Shinshu Brave Warriors (2011-13) before rejoining the new-look Evessa this season.
Goya hasn't played in Osaka's first eight games, and with the Evessa's successful start (6-2), first-year coach Shunsuke Todo is taking a cautious approach to the veteran's season debut.