When the bj-league's 11th season begins in the fall, the new Ishikawa Prefecture-based team will have one of the most unique names in all of pro sports — in Asia and beyond.

The expansion team's name — Kanazawa Samurai Orchestra — was revealed on Wednesday,

Team president Daisuke Akaike, who held the same post with the Shimane Susanoo Magic from 2010-14, said Kanazawa's nickname is symbolic of the region's history and culture.

The Hokuriku Sports Promotion Council, the new franchise's operating company, said that 842 nickname suggestions were submitted by the public.

The league's other 2015-16 expansion franchise, Astrais Nagasaki, previously revealed its team nickname months ago.

Arrest followup: In the aftermath of Gunma guard Marcus Morrison's arrest on suspicion of drug possession (marijuana) on Tuesday morning in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, bj-league commissioner Toshimitsu Kawachi restated the league's commitment to anti-doping measures and drug testing.

In a statement issued by the league office, Kawachi noted that the league has conducted drug testing for all players for three years. He said drug testing is a necessary tool to prevent drugs from becoming a big problem in the league.

On Wednesday, the Crane Thunders (9-19), meanwhile, issued a statement apologizing to fans, sponsors and the public for Morrison's arrest.

A day later, a team spokesman told The Japan Times he has been detained by police, but his whereabouts are unknown. As of 5 p.m. on Thursday, Morrison remained on the team roster. The source added that when details of Morrison's case are known they will be released to the public.

Morrison has played in all of Gunma's 28 games this season. He is the team's second-leading scorer (13.0 points per game).

Analyzing the college game: In his new job as a Syracuse University basketball analyst, former Osaka and Gunma coach Ryan Blackwell told The Japan Times that he's enjoying the opportunity.

"It's a good gig and a great experience," the ex-Syracuse forward said. "It's nice to be back in Syracuse and around the fans and team. Everything is live and I've never done anything like this before, but I'm doing well and getting great feedback from the producers and viewers."

Asked who are some of the college hoop analysts that he admires, Blackwell responded by saying, "Bill Raftery is one of my favorites. I also like Len Elmore, Jay Bilas, Dick Vitale and Jalen Rose."

"Time Warner (cable) approached me about doing it, and I thought it was a good opportunity to get some experience," he said. "I feel like many coaches shuffle back and forth between the sidelines and the analyst booth."

Upcoming schedule: As the league resumes play after its ninth annual All-Star Game, all 22 teams are in action this weekend.

One series — Yokohama vs. Saitama — begins on Friday. The others all tip off on Saturday: Aomori vs. Niigata, Iwate vs. Akita, Fukushima vs. Toyama, Gunma vs. Tokyo, Shinshu vs. Sendai, Takamatsu vs. Kyoto, Shimane vs. Shiga, Fukuoka vs. Osaka, Oita vs. Nara and Ryukyu vs. Hamamatsu.

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