NEWSWORTHY
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 ...
Point guard Narito Namizato rejoins Golden Kings
Veteran playmaker Narito Namizato is returning to the Ryukyu Golden Kings after plying his craft the past three seasons in Kansai. On Monday, the Golden Kings announced that the Okinawa native will play for them in the upcoming season. Namizato, still in his prime at age ...
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 ...
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 ...
Marc Trasolini's all-around spark leads Levanga past Alvark
Veteran forward/center Marc Trasolini's banner performance ignited the Levanga Hokkaido offense in an 81-76 triumph over the Alvark Tokyo on Friday evening. The Santa Clara University product scored a game-high 28 points on 12-for-18 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, handed out four assists and swatted two ...
D'or Fischer's rim-protecting skills vital for Shiga Lakestars
The Shiga Lakestars' rise to playoff contender occurred after a poor start. The Lakestars dropped six of their first seven games, but it wasn't time to push the panic button. Hardly. Since then, first-year coach Shawn Dennis' squad has triumphed in seven of its last eight games, ...
Japan pounds Hong Kong to clinch spot in FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinal qualifier
Japan won its second game of the FIBA Asia Cup Saturday, beating Hong Kong 92-59 to secure a place in a quarterfinal qualifier by finishing second in its group. Never troubled by a Hong Kong team that ended the preliminary phase with an 0-3 record ...
New coach Lamas preparing Japan national team for FIBA Asia Cup
New Japan men's national team head coach Julio Lamas, who arrived in Japan last week, has not spent enough time assessing his players and their technical skills yet. But he's satisfied with their intangibles so far. "We've had our practices in a very good mood," ...
Japan gears up for Olympic push while awaiting new coach Lamas
The Japanese men's national basketball team needs to prove it can be more competitive in order to secure a spot at the Olympics in Tokyo, and there's no time to waste. But the present situation might be a cause for concern. With a few weeks to ...
3x3 PREMIER.EXE hopes to capitalize on game's inclusion in Tokyo Olympics, broaden popularity
With an optimistic outlook, the 3x3 PREMIER.EXE begins its fourth season on Saturday. What's more, the new season tips off with the hope of gaining more recognition and attention after the sport was recently added to the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games by the International Olympic ...
