NEWSWORTHY
Toyama's Yuto Otsuka earns All-Star Game MVP honors as B. White outguns B. Black
In a high-scoring first half, Yuto Otsuka had a quiet performance, scoring just two points. The B. White starter heated up in the second half and his team did, too. B. White lit up the scoreboard for 80 second-half points — 40 apiece in the third ...
Alvark complete sweep of B-Corsairs
The reigning champions Alvark Tokyo gave their fans an early Christmas present on Sunday afternoon. Actually, it was their second gift to team supporters over the holiday weekend, with the Alvark posting an 89-68 victory over the Yokohama B-Corsairs and completing a series sweep on ...
Yudai Baba aims for greatness under father's watch
Toyama City Gymnasium belonged to local star Yudai Baba on Friday night. But there was no bragging from either himself or his father, Toshiharu. Baba was one of the difference-makers on the floor in a jubilant 85-47 victory for Japan against Qatar in FIBA World Cup ...
Japan dominates second half in rout of Qatar
The Akatsuki Five received a tough challenge from Qatar early but wound up posting a 85-47 victory in a FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier at Toyama City Gymnasium on Friday night. The Japan men's national team (5-4) extended its winning streak in the preliminaries to ...
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, ...
