While Japan pro basketball dealt with massive changes over the past dozen years, Dai Oketani built his credentials as one of the most respected, accomplished head coaches here.
Oketani has been one constant in a sea of swirling changes, what with the arrival and end of the bj-league (from six teams at the beginning to 24 for the final campaign in 2015-16), the metamorphosis of the Japan Basketball Association and the eventual creation of the B. League.
The high-energy mentor took over as head coach of the Oita HeatDevils, replacing ex-NBA center Jawann Oldham as the one calling the shots in January 2006 after the club's 4-12 start.