Sendai gets boost from victory in Early Cup
Last weekend ushered in the first real phase of preseason action as B. League teams prepare for the circuit's third campaign. The B. League Early Cup was staged as six regional tournaments (Kanto, Kansai, Tohoku, Tokai, Hokushinetsu and Nishinihon, with 36 teams in total registered ...
Yokohama looks to Tom Wisman for renewal
Tom Wisman, who guided the Tochigi Brex to the inaugural B. League title in May 2017, is returning to the sideline to lead the Yokohama B-Corsairs. As expected, the team made a formal announcement earlier this week, setting the stage for Wisman's latest reclamation project. ...
And now it's down to four teams still chasing after the B. League Championship crown. This weekend, the East Division champion Chiba Jets Funabashi play host to the West champ Ryukyu Golden Kings and the Central champ SeaHorses Mikawa face the visiting Alvark Tokyo. Games ...
Ryan Rossiter's stellar play keeping Tochigi respectable
Ryan Rossiter is having a spectacular season for the Tochigi Brex. It's not surprising, though. He played a major role throughout the 2016-17 campaign as the team captured the inaugural B. League title. The Siena College alum is once again a pivotal part of every ...
Evessa coach Dai Oketani brings passion to the game
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 ...
Evessa overpower NeoPhoenix, end five-game slide
The Osaka Evessa dominated on both sides of the ball in Saturday's series opener against the San-en NeoPhoenix, ending a five-game losing streak The Evessa pounded the NeoPhoenix 79-54 in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture. Osaka coach Dai Oketani's club had five double-digit scorers: Gyno Pomare (18 points, ...
Retiring coach Richardson leaves lasting legacy on Golden Kings, Okinawa basketball
Successful organizations have people who inspire others and encourage them to build an environment where success is a top priority. Look around you, and you'll notice them. Exhibit A: Keith Richardson served a vital role for the Ryukyu Golden Kings for nine seasons. As an assistant ...
Evessa stick with veteran bench boss Oketani for 2017-18 season
As expected, Dai Oketani is staying put with the Osaka Evessa, plotting to lead the proud franchise's rise to title contender once again. The veteran bench boss, who turns 40 in December, has finalized an agreement with the Osaka front office to guide the team ...
Under-appreciated Kanamaru has spotlight-worthy skills
Kosuke Kanamaru doesn't receive as much media attention as elite Japanese stars in other pro sports leagues in his native country. That doesn't mean, however, that the SeaHorses Mikawa superstar doesn't deserve fanfare and recognition by the sporting press. Baseball and soccer standouts overshadow the stellar ...
Kohama's legacy certain to live on
Mototaka Kohama leaves behind a trail of memories with those who knew him well or casually crossed paths with him during his decades-long involvement in basketball. After the Godfather of Japanese basketball's death on Jan. 12 at age 84 after a battle with cancer, those ...
Osaka's Harrellson takes pride in toughness, versatility
While playing college basketball for the powerhouse University of Kentucky program, Josh Harrellson broadened his game beyond the traditional expectations of a big man, e.g. around the basket. The 208-cm power forward/center became a bigger threat on offense from the perimeter. Now he's a major ...
Teamwork has Tochigi flourishing
Camaraderie pays off for successful teams. The Tochigi Brex and SeaHorses Mikawa are prime examples of that. Last weekend when the teams collided at Brex Arena Utsunomiya, there were numerous examples of players encouraging one another, making the extra pass, doing the unselfish things that don't ...
