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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
The Osaka Evessa pulled away from the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the second half on Saturday en route to a runaway victory over their former fierce bj-league rival. In the Evessa's 96-57 triumph in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, big man Xavier Gibson, a Florida State alum, ...
The Osaka Evessa mounted a spirited comeback during Saturday's series opener against the visiting SeaHorses Mikawa. But Evessa coach Dai Oketani's squad fell short in the end, losing 76-69 at Fumin Kyosai Super Arena. Osaka (2-5) trailed 31-7 after the opening quarter and 46-25 at halftime. ...
Parity has been the name of the game so far this season. Indeed, two weeks is a short amount of time to offer any definitive conclusions. But it may be a sign of things to come. Only two unbeaten teams remain after four games: the San-en ...
There are no easy games when Dai Oketani and Honoo Hamaguchi are on opposite benches. Their familiarity with each other's coaching acumen and their competitive spirits fuel this ongoing rivalry. After working in opposite conferences over the past few years — with Oketani elevating the Eastern ...
Watching a pure shooter, when the shots are falling like raindrops during a summer storm, is a picture of pure art. Basketball fans were treated to this image last Sunday at Hiratsuka Gymnasium when Wayne Arnold, an accomplished star in the 24-team bj-league, put on ...
The Osaka Evessa's defense pressured the visiting Rizing Fukuoka throughout Thursday's series opener. That effort and energy paid off for the hosts. Osaka earned an 89-70 victory and forced 23 turnovers. The Evessa (24-11) won their third straight game and picked up their seventh victory in eight ...
