Basketball / B. League Jun 4, 2021
Kai Toews and J.R. Sakuragi honored at B. League awards show
by Kaz Nagatsuka
Utsunomiya Brex guard Toews was named the Rookie of the Year for the 2020-21 season.
Basketball / B. League Jul 2, 2020
J.R. Sakuragi reflects on long career in Japanese basketball
by Kaz Nagatsuka
Sakuragi would not have played as long as he did without a love for the game.
Basketball / B. League | B. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK Mar 12, 2020
Teams regroup after long layoff for season's stretch run
by Ed Odeven
The revamped playoff format, which was revealed on Tuesday, created a different reality for teams in the hunt for the 2019-20 title: a smaller margin of error. Every possession, every quarter, every half and every game will have a greater impact on the season's final ...
Basketball / B. League May 31, 2019
J.R. Sakuragi returning to SeaHorses for 2019-20 season
by Ed Odeven
Veteran forward J.R. Sakuragi accepted a contract offer for the 2019-20 season from the SeaHorses Mikawa, continuing his long association with the basketball team. The SeaHorses announced the contractual agreement on Friday. Sakuragi, 42, first signed with the team in 2001, when the Aisin SeaHorses competed ...
Basketball / B. League | B. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK Mar 14, 2019
Rookie guard Yuta Okada is shining bright for SeaHorses
by Ed Odeven
As the regular season winds down, SeaHorses Mikawa rookie guard Yuta Okada continues to demonstrate impressive skills and an exciting all-around game. In short, Okada has established himself as a future star for coach Kimikazu Suzuki's club. For teammates, fans and foes alike, the 20-year-old combo ...
Basketball / B. League Nov 2, 2018
Hannaryz hold off Rizing Zephyr in OT
by Ed Odeven
The visiting Kyoto Hannaryz outlasted the Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka in overtime on Friday night, winning 98-95. Kevin Hareyama sank a pair of free throws at the 4:26 mark of OT to put Kyoto ahead 85-83, and coach Honoo Hamaguchi's club didn't relinquish the lead the ...
Basketball / B. League Oct 30, 2018
SeaHorses edge Lakestars, extend winning streak to five
by Ed Odeven
The SeaHorses Mikawa are on a roll. After an 0-5 start this season, longtime coach Kimikazu Suzuki's club now has a .500 winning percentage. The SeaHorses built a large lead and withstood a late rally by the Shiga Lakestars on Tuesday, winning 78-75. Isaac Butts had 17 ...
Basketball / B. League | B. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK May 17, 2018
by Ed Odeven
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 ...
Basketball / B. League Apr 21, 2018
Golden Kings whip SeaHorses in clash of title-chasing titans
by Ed Odeven
Takatoshi Furukawa scored 11 of his team-high 18 points in the second half and four teammates also reached double figures in points as the Ryukyu Golden Kings outplayed the host SeaHorses Mikawa, winning 82-70 on Saturday afternoon. In a potential preview of this year's B. ...
Basketball / B. League Apr 8, 2018
Veteran J.R. Sakuragi sets tone for Mikawa in victory over Chiba
by Ed Odeven
Longtime SeaHorses Mikawa bench boss Kimikazu Suzuki commands respect from his players. When he issues orders for a game, they listen. When he demands adjustments after a loss, their ears are tuned in to every word. Such was the case on Sunday as Mikawa prepared for ...
Basketball / B. League | B. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK Mar 22, 2018
NeoPhoenix star Robert Dozier provides leadership, confidence for club
by Ed Odeven
With power forward Robert Dozier in the lineup, the San-en NeoPhoenix are a more complete team. A more balanced team. A more dangerous team. Dozier improves San-en's offense and defense and rhythm at both ends of the floor. A natural leader, the veteran is a tone-setter ...