NEWSWORTHY
Fukuoka counting on veteran forward Kazuya Hatano for consistent work on boards
Journeyman Kazuya "J." Hatano was a steady contributor during the Osaka Evessa dynasty years. The hard-working forward earned a trio of championship rings as part of the bj-league's first powerhouse team under bench boss Kensaku Tennichi. Nearly a decade later, Hatano is still collecting a paycheck ...
Bob and Bobby Nash reunite on Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka
After an ultra-successful 2017-18 season that concluded with the B. League second-division winner's trophy, the Rizing Fukuoka Zephyr have added valuable experience to their coaching staff. It's the father-son tandem of Bob and Bobby Nash, who return to Japan to work alongside Fukuoka bench boss ...
Josh Peppers and Michael Parker reaping rewards after years of hard work in Japanese hoop scene
John Neumann gave the green light to bring American forwards Josh Peppers and Michael Parker to Japan. He had a good reason: He needed good players to make Rizing Fukuoka competitive during the expansion team's inaugural 2007-08 campaign in the bj-league. An astute talent evaluator, ...
Alvark edge SeaHorses in overtime in Game 1 of playoff semifinal series
The SeaHorses Mikawa dominated the first three quarters of Saturday's series opener against the visiting Alvark Tokyo. The fourth quarter was a different story. The Alvark overcame an 11-point deficit entering the final stanza and forced overtime by making clutch plays down the stretch at Wing ...
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 ...
SeaHorses overpower defending champion Brex in Game 1 of quarterfinal playoff series
It was a stellar start for the SeaHorses Mikawa to begin their quest for a title this postseason. Sharpshooter Kosuke Kanamaru scored a game-high 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting. Center Isaac Butts also made a big impact with 14 points and 18 rebounds. The result? The ...
Samuraiz rally past Rizing in final minute
The Kanazawa Samuraiz made a pair of clutch baskets in the final minute, rallying to beat the visiting Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka by the slimmest of margins, 71-70, on Friday night. Tsubasa Yonamine scored his only two points on a layup with 1 minute remaining. The ...
Rizing Zephyr rapidly climbing B. League ladder
Without much fanfare, the Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka are in the midst of an impressive, yet steady climb up the Japan pro basketball ladder. When the B. League was established as a three-division, 45-club circuit before the 2016-17 campaign, the Rizing were assigned to B3. It wasn't ...
Journeyman Hamilton gives Bambitious boost in frontcourt
The Bambitious Nara's recent signing of Gary Hamilton signals the team's serious commitment to winning. Vying for supremacy in the B. League's second division will be the name of the game for new bench boss Zeljko Pavlicevic's club, with Hamilton being a key piece to ...
Toyama inks point producer Okada
The Toyama Grouses have boosted their roster with the addition of shooting guard Yu Okada as they prepare for their first season as a B. League first-division squad. Toyama made the announcement on its website on Wednesday. The Grouses earned a championship runner-up finish in the ...
