NEWSWORTHY
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 ...
SeaHorses star Makoto Hiejima named 2017-18 MVP at B. League Award Show
Makoto Hiejima is the face of the B. League's sophomore season. The SeaHorses Mikawa slashing shooting guard was selected as the league's Most Valuable Player for the 2017-18 season, it was announced at the B. League Award Show at Ebisu Garden Place on Tuesday. The 27-year-old ...
Luka Pavicevic's system was key to Alvark Tokyo's title run
The Alvark Tokyo embodied a team-first attitude throughout their title-winning season. They kept things simple, demonstrating that well-executed fundamentals, not complicated tactics or endless mind games, are the recipe for success. They collected nine straight victories to cap their championship season, including an 85-60 victory ...
League powers Jets, Alvark set for title tilt
With the biggest of stakes on the line, the Chiba Jets Funabashi and Alvark Tokyo renew their rivalry on Saturday afternoon. The site: Yokohama Arena. The occasion: the B. League Championship final. Tipoff is set for 2:05 p.m. as Jets bench boss Atsushi Ono and ...
Alvark guard Seiya Ando developing into a star
When Seiya Ando left the Akita Northern Happinets last summer to join the Alvark Tokyo for the 2017-18 campaign, it was an intriguing move to follow. Nothing has changed. Ando's development as a young, on-the-rise star has been a key aspect of the Alvark's successful season. An ...
Donte' Hill hoping to return Iwate to respectability in second half of season
In the rapidly changing Japan pro basketball landscape, the Iwate Big Bulls' run to the bj-league Final Four in 2015 is, well, ancient history. The team has experienced its share of ups and downs since then, when Dai Oketani completed his distinguished three-year run as ...
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 ...
Joji Takeuchi, Jawad Williams a dynamic duo for Alvark
When a team has a deep bench, a coach has a better set of options to choose from. For the Alvark Tokyo, it's abundantly clear that new coach Luka Pavicevic has this luxury. And having two bona-fide stars in Joji Takeuchi and Jawad Williams at ...
Pavicevic's plans come together as Alvark rout B-Corsairs
The Alvark Tokyo are starting to hit their stride. And with six games in the books, new coach Luka Pavicevic's vision for the team is starting to take shape. Tokyo exhibited patience on offense early on and then picked apart the undermanned Yokohama B-Corsairs' zone ...
Alvark bolster roster with signing of Lucas
Landen Lucas needs no introduction to die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fans. But on this side of the Pacific Ocean, it's the perfect time to formally introduce the rookie center to Japan basketball circles. Lucas is a newcomer on the scene for the Alvark Tokyo, but his collegiate ...
Coaching changes spawn diverse mix in leadership ranks
With the movement of coaches this offseason in the first and second divisions, a new-look leadership melting pot is forming for the 2017-18 season. Coaches from Croatia, the United States, Australia, Spain and Montenegro join the mix for the 36 combined clubs in B1 and ...
Ito out as Tokyo coach despite making playoffs
Coaching changes are quickly shaking up the leadership foundation of the B. League. A new wave of hires adds intrigue and uncertainty to the summer break. The Alvark Tokyo this week formally announced that Takuma Ito would not continue as head coach for the 2017-18 season. ...
