Patrick Baumann's profound impact on basketball will live on
Global basketball is a far-flung enterprise with 213 national federations and complexities that don't easily mesh into a single entity. Successful leaders, especially at the top, are vital to create meaningful bonds, improve governance and deal with problems. And some leaders are irreplaceable. That much ...
Bob Nash takes over helm for Fukuoka
New Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka management decided a change was needed after the winless team's weekend setbacks. Head coach Ryuji Kawai, who was in his second season in charge, was dismissed on Monday, a day after the team fell to 0-7 by dropping a 73-53 decision ...
Alvark defense smothers Brave Thunders to complete weekend sweep
The defending champion Alvark Tokyo refuse to accept complacency as a chief trait of their 2018-19 campaign. Instead, relentless defense and smart, effective offense are characteristics that shine through on the court for Tokyo bench boss Luka Pavicevic's club. Furthermore, the weekend showdown with the ...
Alvark usher in new season with narrow victory over Sunrockers
The defending B. League champion Alvark Tokyo opened their new season with a down-to-the-wire victory over the Sunrockers Shibuya on Saturday afternoon in Tachikawa. Star center Alex Kirk led the way with 27 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, in Tokyo's 73-71 triumph. Alvark mainstay ...
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 ...
