The Hitachi Sunrockers entered this season, having improved their roster with some key acquisitions, while they hired a new head coach.

Compared to last season, when they went 18-36 under then-coach Tim Lewis and failed to reach the playoffs, they now have the talent and depth to be a championship-caliber team.

But a team like this one, with a lot of new guys, usually needs some time to develop the chemistry to win games, too. In fact, a team like the Sunrockers often struggles.