For the Kyoto Hannaryz, last season's 44-8 record — the best in bj-league history — was no fluke.
After all, they have mostly played at an elite level since the arrival of coach Honoo Hamaguchi in 2011. But, in May, the Hannaryz failed to reach the Final Four for a fourth consecutive season.
Hamaguchi's club is still chasing its first title and remains as dangerous as ever.