With a veteran-dominated roster responding to the arrival of a new head coach, the Rizing Fukuoka found a way to salvage their topsy-turvy 2013-14 season after the All-Star break and earn a trip to the playoffs.
But the Rizing, who were the league's championship runnerup squad two seasons ago, will have a new-look roster as bench boss James Duncan begins his first full campaign at the helm in October.
Power forward Reggie Warren, one of the league's most productive front court players and an integral part of the Rizing's rise to title contender under ex-coach Atsushi Kanazawa, has rejoined the Kyoto Hannaryz, his employer in 2010-11. The deal was made official on Monday.