Standout point guard Kaito Ishikawa joins Kumamoto Volters
Kaito Ishikawa demonstrated throughout the 2018-19 season that he was one of the B. League's most dependable point guards. The Tokyo native shined for the B2 champion Shinshu Brave Warriors, culminating with the second-division playoff MVP award. In the B2 championship final's title-clinching game, Ishikawa ...
Alvark, Jets post victories in semifinal series openers
The Alvark Tokyo scratched and clawed their way to a third-place finish in the brutal East Division during the regular season. Forty-four wins in 60 games was what they accomplished. Indeed, it wasn't easy. On Saturday, the resilient defending champions moved a step closer to achieving ...
Chiba set for semifinal clash with Tochigi; Ryukyu faces Tokyo
Motivation can be a powerful emotion in sports. For the Chiba Jets Funabashi, last season's defeat in the B. League Championship final to the Alvark Tokyo has been their motivational force throughout this season. Jets shooting guard Kosuke Ishii admitted as much after Chiba's 96-85, series-clinching ...
Shinshu can win title, but not promotion
The Shinshu Brave Warriors have excelled this season under the steady leadership of head coach Michael Katsuhisa. The Brave Warriors (43-11 through Sunday) are poised to finish atop the B. League second division's Central Division standings. Furthermore, the Nagano Prefecture-based team owns the third-best winning ...
Nara the latest destination for high-scoring forward Jeff Parmer
After two seasons in a Yokohama B-Corsairs uniform, power forward Jeff Parmer is ready for a change of scenery. The former bj-league MVP has joined the Bambitious Nara, the second-division club announced on Monday. For Parmer, Nara becomes the fifth Japan pro basketball franchise he's joined. ...
Title-winning Brex decline to offer a new contract to veteran coach Wisman
After leading the Tochigi Brex to their first B. League title — and a second league championship under his watchful eye — Tom Wisman was not offered a contract for the 2017-18 campaign. Now, nearly two months after Tochigi's 85-79 triumph over the Kawasaki Brave ...
Energizer Garrett guides Alvark Tokyo to victory over Levanga Hokkaido
In a showdown of East Division squads on Friday, the Alvark Tokyo's deep bench and overall talent played key roles as they prevailed over the Levanga Hokkaido in the B. League series opener. Shooting guard Diante Garrett led Tokyo with a dynamic, high-energy, all-around performance, ...
Coaching moves already underway
The annual coaching carousel changes the landscape of who's in charge. With the conclusion of the bj-league's 11th and final season on May 15, when the Ryukyu Golden Kings captured their record fourth title, a number of teams have switched — or plan to switch ...
Rookie sensation Nash raising profile with Firebonds
Fukushima Firebonds forward Le'Bryan Nash has been the league's premier scorer this season. His professional basketball career started with 30-plus points in each of his first four games in October, followed by a 47-point outburst in game No. 5. On Jan. 24, Nash earned All-Star Game ...
Toyama whips Shinshu in series opener
The hot-shooting Toyama Grouses trounced the Shinshu Brave Warriors in their series opener on Saturday, winning 84-60. Grouses coach Bob Nash's team shot 58.5 percent from inside the 3-point arc, converting 31 of 53 shots. Toyama (27-12) only attempted 12 3s and made four of ...
Warren remains one of best on boards
Whenever he steps onto a basketball court, Reggie Warren's fierce desire to win is a recognizable trait. Since 2006, the veteran power forward has been a key piece to the puzzle for five bj-league franchises: Takamatsu Five Arrows (2006-08), Saitama Broncos (2008-09), Kyoto Hannaryz (2010-11, ...
Brave Warriors beat 89ers to continue hot streak
The Shinshu Brave Warriors aren't at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. And the Nagano Prefecture-based club isn't the metaphorical king of the hill. But they've made giant steps in the right direction. And over the past several weeks, Shinshu coach Koju Munakata's squad ...
