The Ryukyu Golden Kings have experienced incredible success over the past nine years. The Okinawa-based franchise's record fourth title was its crowning achievement in the final game in bj-league history in May at Ariake Colosseum.
This season is a different story — so far. The Golden Kings are coping with the ups and downs of competition in a new league.
Coach Tsutomu Isa's club has dropped four straight games and sits in fifth place in the six-team West Division with an 8-11 record through Sunday.