Teams regroup after long layoff for season's stretch run
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 ...
Jets rookie guard Koh Flippin, a player with interesting name, displaying a solid game
Koh Flippin roams the court with quick steps, impressive overall court awareness and a sense of purpose. What's more, the 23-year-old Chiba Jets rookie maximizes his playing time. He's a force of energy whenever he enters a game. And with nearly half of the season completed, ...
Jets pull away from Alvark in second half for series sweep
The Chiba Jets led by the slimmest of margins at halftime on Sunday afternoon. The Jets then found a higher offensive gear to operate in. They transformed a 35-34 halftime lead into a sizable advantage entering the final stanza, outscoring the Alvark Tokyo 23-8 in ...
Alvark's Takeki Shonaka playing key role as a backup
When opportunity knocks, Takeki Shonaka is ready to answer the call. This season, the veteran guard has been thrust into a bigger role due to the Alvark Tokyo's depleted depth in the backcourt. Rising star Yudai Baba left the squad in the offseason and now ...
Alvark coach Luka Pavicevic instills confidence with his approach
There was a recurring theme game after game during the Alvark Tokyo's march to their second consecutive B. League title. Trust amplifies winning. As much as anything, trust defined the 2018-19 Alvark squad. Head coach Luka Pavicevic set the tone with savvy game plans and confidence-building strategies. ...
Jets star Yuki Togashi named B. League MVP
The Chiba Jets Funabashi's diminutive star guard Yuki Togashi just won the biggest individual accolade of his basketball career. The 25-year-old Togashi was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2018-19 season at the B. League Award Show at the Roppongi Hills Arena on Wednesday ...
Alvark prevail in title thriller
A year ago, the Alvark Tokyo built a 10-point cushion by halftime, then overwhelmed the Chiba Jets Funabashi in the second half of the B. League Championship Final, winning by 25 points. Saturday's showdown was a two-point game at the break. This time, Tokyo's 19-point lead ...
Alvark, Jets set for battle in title tilt
Two powerhouse East Division teams are right where they want to be. The Alvark Tokyo need one more victory to capture back-to-back B. League titles, while the Chiba Jets Funabashi can claim their first league title by avenging last May's 85-60 defeat to the Alvark ...
Niigata hopes to take momentum into playoffs
Niigata Albirex BB coach Kazuhiro Shoji has been in an enviable position throughout the season. Since the Albirex opener in October, Shoji hasn't had a legitimate reason to make wholesale changes to his starting lineup. Instead, the names of veteran guards Kei Igarashi and Shinsuke Kashiwagi, ...
Toyama looks to improve defense
The Toyama Grouses, one of B. League's premier offensive clubs, present a formidable challenge for opposing defenses. They put points on the board in a hurry. The Grouses are No. 2 in the 18-team first division in scoring (84.3 points per game). They also have a ...
Pro basketball has taken Alvark forward Milko Bjelica around the globe
Milko Bjelica grew up watching a who's who of great players from the former Yugoslavia. The Alvark Tokyo big man mentioned former NBA standouts Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic plus longtime Europe-based player Dejan Bodiroga among those who've helped him shape his game. Now, in the ...
Alvark stick to game plan to beat Brave Thunders
Successful coaches aren't always obsessed with changing their game plan. After preparations were made for a weekend series against the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, Alvark Tokyo bench boss Luka Pavicevic didn't feel a need to flip the script for Sunday's series finale. Even after a 79-66 ...
