Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Japanese JBL / BJ-League 2011-2012 Season

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • The Yokohama B-Corsairs have signed Cameroonian forward Giyoh Ngafi Shey who is a product of Cal State Los Angeles.
    Sacramento Kings
    HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

    Comment


    • Last season, the Hamamatsu Phoenix Higashimikawa lorded over the Eastern Conference with a record of 40-6 which was miles ahead from the second best team, the Sendai 89ers with a 24-12 record before prematurely ending their season.

      Hamamatsu won two consecutive BJ-League Championships and is 117-33 in the span of three years under head coach Kazuo Nakamura.

      This season, Nakamura has opted to sign with another Eastern Conference team, the Northern Akita Happinets who had a record of 18-32 last season. Hamamatsu's new coach is Ryuji Kawaii, half the age of Nakamura.

      So the most intriguing story of the season is if Hamamatsu can win their third consecutive championship with the disciple at the helm.
      Sacramento Kings
      HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

      Comment


      • As expected, a lot of sports writers agreed and projected that the Shimane Susanoo Magic will step down a notch this season because of the loss of star Takumi Ishizaki, who signed a one year contract with the Chemnitz 99ers, a Pro A team in Germany.

        In an import dominated league where there is so few teams which has local players that are catalysts, Shimane enjoyed the overall versatility of Ishizaki as the latter bought a defensive presence in the back-court, able to keep up with import guards and did some great playmaking.

        Ishizaki also contributed in the offense as well where on numerous times, Ishizaki was the second or best scorer for the game. In this league, anything you get from your locals is a huge bonus.

        The void of that is left by Ishizaki will be felt and Shimane made sure that they stock-pile with guards this season. A platoon of guards are raring to prove their worth to the team. Ed Yamamoto, Yasuhisa Hikino, Kouki Yabuuchi, Jumpei Kamaji, Takashi Toyoda and Tatsuhiro Yoko are all with varying dynamics with numerous ways of potential contributions.

        But this team would have been much better had Ishizaki returned. Good thing they bought in import scorer, Michael Parker. Even head coach Zeljko Pavlicevic admitted that Ishizaki is a huge loss.

        Maybe next season, Shimane would welcome back an even improved Ishizaki. That is if not other BJ-League or JBL teams would get in the way.





        Sacramento Kings
        HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

        Comment


        • The Sendai 89ers have signed the following imports:

          C Rashaad Singleton
          F Dan Fitzgerald
          F O'Neal Mims

          Good signing. Singleton brings in a shot-blocking menace for Sendai while Fitzgerald and Mims offer versatility on the wings and post.
          Sacramento Kings
          HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

          Comment


          • Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix will play the Korean Basketball League champions, KCC Egis tomorrow at Shizuoka.

            Expected match-ups are Korea's national team center Ha Seung-Jin against HHP's national team center Atsuya Ota.

            Expect a shootout between the fiery Kang Byung Hyun and Jon Tae-Pong against HHP's Masahiro Ohguchi and Wayne Arnold.

            HHP also has three more imports in Odartley Blankson, scorer Jeffrey Parmer, and James Peters.
            Sacramento Kings
            HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

            Comment


            • BJ-League vs. KBL Champions Series Game 1

              Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix lost to the Korean Basketball League champions, Jeonju KCC Egis 75-65.
              Sacramento Kings
              HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

              Comment


              • The Oita HeatDevils have confirmed the signing of the BJ-League's best import in history. Wendell White have signed with Oita.

                This one strikes me as odd. I never expected Oita who had, financial troubles within the off-season and rumored to be folding due to financial losses, would be able to make a high-profile signing. On the other hand, the other side of the story is that the HeatDevils could now be financially stable due to sponsors.


                In other news, the Shiga Lakestars head coach Alan Westover confirmed the news that their newly acquired star forward, Kazuya Hatano will be sidelined until early December due to Hatano undergoing surgery on his knee.
                Sacramento Kings
                HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                Comment


                • BJ-League vs. KBL Champions Series Game 2

                  Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix 69 KCC Egis 76
                  Sacramento Kings
                  HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                  Comment


                  • The game of the BJ-League champions, Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix against the Korean Basketball League champions, Jeonju KCC Egis drew a good crowd over at Gunma.

                    Next season, the basketball fans of Gunma will see a team of their own in the Gunma Crane Tigers for the BJ-League 2012-2013 Season.
                    Sacramento Kings
                    HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                    Comment


                    • Looking at the JBL Rosters, it is not difficult to see why the Toyota Alvark are the favorites to win the title.

                      My prediction for the final standings:

                      1. Toyota Alvark
                      2. Link Tochigi Brex
                      3. Panasonic Trians
                      4. Toshiba Brave Thunders
                      5. Aishin SeaHorses
                      6. Hitachi SunRockerz
                      7. Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins
                      8. Levanga Hokkaido

                      I think Tochigi will be back with a vengeance this season. Last season, all things started in the wrong foot.

                      Panasonic and Toshiba will be very dangerous given their youth and crack-squads of good guard play.

                      Aishin and Hitachi seem to be growing weaker and weaker each season.

                      While say hello to the expected bottom dwellers that is Mitsubishi and Hokkaido.
                      Sacramento Kings
                      HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                      Comment


                      • Since my Tokyo Apache are on hiatus for the BJ-League 2011-2012 Season, I will be watching the Expansion Teams of Chiba, Iwate, Shinshu and Yokohama. It will be most interesting on who among the four will have the most success on their first season.

                        My Prediction based on success this season:

                        1. Chiba Jets
                        2. Iwate Big Bulls
                        3. Yokohama B-Corsairs
                        4. Shinshu Brave Warriors

                        Tokyo and Yokohama makes a compelling rivalry in the future.
                        Sacramento Kings
                        HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                        Comment


                        • My prediction for the Final Standings after the BJ-League 2011-2012 Season:

                          Eastern Conference

                          1. Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix
                          2. Saitama Broncos
                          3. Akita Northern Happinets
                          4. Sendai 89ers
                          5. Toyama Grouses
                          6. Niigata Albirex
                          7. Chiba Jets
                          8. Iwate Big Bulls
                          9. Yokohama B-Corsairs
                          10. Shinshu Brave Warriors


                          For the Eastern Conference, it is looking like it will be the Phoenix reigning supreme while the rest battles for second. Let's see if the mighty Phoenix are still formidable with Nakamura gone and Ryuji Kawai at the helm. It will be interesting on how the Saitama Broncos can challenge the Phoenix. While maybe, the four expansion teams of Chiba, Iwate, Yokohama and Shinshu can upset the other teams.


                          Western Conference

                          1. Okinawa Ryukyu Golden Kings
                          2. Shiga Lakestars
                          3. Rizing Fukuoka
                          4. Osaka Evessa
                          5. Miyazaki Shining Suns
                          6. Takamatsu Five Arrows
                          7. Shimane Susanoo Magic
                          8. Kyoto Hannaryz
                          9. Oita HeatDevils

                          The Golden Kings are formidable but Shiga and Fukuoka as well as Osaka may challenge them in the West. The West may end up crazy as Sekigahara in lore.
                          Sacramento Kings
                          HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                          Comment


                          • JBL Round 1

                            The Regular Season in JBL just started. The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. The most impressive performance of 1st round was 26 points and 18 rebounds by J.R. Sakuragi of Aishin SH.

                            Tochigi Brex - Mitsubishi DD 58-94

                            The game was mostly controlled by Mitsubishi Dolphins. Tochigi Brex managed to win third quarter 23-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Mitsubishi Dolphins dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Tochigi Brex's 34. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Ron Hale (203-77, college: Florida St.) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 6 rebounds. The former international guard Kei Igarashi (180-80) contributed with 11 points and 6 assists for the winners. International guard Takuya Kawamura (193-86) answered with 14 points and American forward Lamar Rice (203-82, college: Georgetown, KY) added 8 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Tochigi Brex.
                            Top scorers:
                            Mitsubishi DD: R.Hale 22+6reb+2ast, K.Nakagawa 12+3reb+1ast, K.Igarashi 11+2reb+6ast, Y.Yo 9+1ast, B.Allen 8+5reb+1ast, S.Utsumi 8+3ast
                            Tochigi Brex: T.Kawamura 14+2reb+3ast, L.Rice 8+6reb, S.Hinkley 7+3reb, M.Kataoka 7+2reb+4ast, S.Ito 5+7reb+1ast, Y.Tabuse 4

                            Aishin SH - Toshiba BT 78-74



                            The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Toshiba Thunders won fourth quarter 25-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Aishin Sea Horses shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. It was a very good performance for the former international point guard Shinsuke Kashiwagi (183-81) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 4 assists. American forward Anthony Richardson (201-83, college: Florida St., agency: TSS Management) contributed with 12 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Chris Moss (204-80, college: W.Virginia) answered with 14 points and 9 rebounds and the former international swingman Shohei Kikuchi (190-85) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Toshiba Thunders. Four Aishin Sea Horses and five Toshiba Thunders players scored in double figures.


                            Top scorers:
                            Aishin SH: S.Kashiwagi 16+4ast, K.Young 13+5reb, T.Furukawa 13+1reb, S.Asayama 12+1reb+5ast, A.Richardson 12+5reb+2ast, J.Sakuragi 5+9reb+2ast
                            Toshiba BT: C.Moss 14+9reb+1ast, R.Shinoyama 13+3reb+1ast, S.Kikuchi 13+6reb+2ast, S.Merritt 11+6reb+1ast, Y.Uda 10+1reb+2ast, J.Katsumata 4+2reb



                            Panasonic T. - Toyota Alvark 64-80

                            The game was mostly controlled by Toyota Alvark. Panasonic Trians was better in fourth quarter 22-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Toyota Alvark made 21-of-26 charity shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Toyota Alvark outrebounded Panasonic Trians 44-21 including a 32-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. American forward Jeff Gibbs (188-80, college: Otterbein) fired 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. International power forward Kosuke Takeuchi (206-85) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Toyota Alvark's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. International guard Kenta Hirose (193-85) produced 17 points and American forward Ace Custis (202-74, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Higher Vision Sports) added 8 points respectively for lost side.
                            Top scorers:
                            Toyota Alvark: J.Gibbs 15+8reb+2ast, K.Takeuchi 12+10reb+2ast, P.Ricci 12+11reb, K.Tanaka 9+4reb+1ast, T.Ito 9+1reb+4ast, K.Matsui 9+5reb+1ast
                            Panasonic T.: K.Hirose 17+3reb+1ast, S.Kobayashi 11+1ast, T.Onishi 9+3reb+1ast, A.Custis 8+4reb+3ast, F.Aono 7+3reb+1ast, K.Kanamaru 6+2reb



                            Hitachi SR - Hokkaido L. 70-72

                            Hitachi Sunrockers were ahead by 2 points at the halftime before a 39-35 second half run of Hokkaido L.. They made 20-of-26 charity shots (76.9 percent) during the game. American forward Jai Lewis (201-83, college: George Mason, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) stepped up and scored 16 points and 7 assists for the winners and international guard Ryota Sakurai (194-83) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side international power forward Joji Takeuchi (206-85, agency: N.E.T.) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and the former international forward Taiji Sakai (190-84) scored 13 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game.


                            Top scorers:
                            Hokkaido L.: T.Orimo 16+2reb+1ast, J.Lewis 16+4reb+7ast, R.Sakurai 14+6reb+2ast, T.Klette 9+8reb+2ast, M.Diouf 7+9reb, D.Noguchi 6+1reb+2ast
                            Hitachi SR: J.Takeuchi 18+11reb+3ast, T.Sakai 13+4reb+4ast, F.Nishimura 9+1reb+2ast, T.Sato 8+4reb+1ast, J.Smith 6+3reb+1ast, H.Kashiwakura 6+3reb+2ast



                            Aishin SH - Toshiba BT 68-51


                            The hosts trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 17 points. Aishin Sea Horses dominated on the defensive end, holding Toshiba Thunders to just 7 points in second quarter. Aishin Sea Horses had a 34-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Aishin Sea Horses made 7 blocks. It was a very good performance for the former international power forward J.R. Sakuragi (206-76, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points and 18 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). Jamaican center Kevin Young (206-84, college: Missouri) contributed with 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Aishin Sea Horses players scored in double figures. American forward Chris Moss (204-80, college: W.Virginia) answered with 11 points and 8 rebounds and the former international power forward Yoshifumi Kuwahara (200-80) added 8 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Toshiba Thunders.


                            Top scorers:
                            Aishin SH: J.Sakuragi 26+18reb+3ast, A.Richardson 12+3reb+1ast, K.Young 10+9reb, S.Kashiwagi 10+2reb+2ast, T.Furukawa 9+1reb+1ast, H.Ryoma 1+2reb+4ast
                            Toshiba BT: Y.Uda 11+3reb+2ast, C.Moss 11+8reb+1ast, S.Merritt 8+5reb, Y.Kuwahara 8+9reb, S.Kikuchi 6+4reb+1ast, Y.Miyanga 3+1reb+5ast



                            Panasonic T. - Toyota Alvark 71-79

                            Panasonic Trians trailed by 12 points at halftime and as many as 19 after three quarters before a 32-21 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 71-79 at the end of the game. Toyota Alvark made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. It was a very good performance for American forward Philip Ricci (202-80, college: Oregon St.) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). His fellow American import forward Jeff Gibbs (188-80, college: Otterbein) contributed with 6 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American forward Ace Custis (202-74, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Higher Vision Sports) answered with 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and international point guard Hiroyuki Kinoshita (178-80) added 7 points and 7 assists in the effort for Panasonic Trians.
                            Top scorers:
                            Toyota Alvark: P.Ricci 23+8reb+1ast, K.Matsui 15+2reb, T.Ito 10+3reb+2ast, K.Takeuchi 9+4reb, Y.Okada 7+1reb+1ast, J.Gibbs 6+10reb+1ast
                            Panasonic T.: A.Custis 20+9reb+1ast, T.Onishi 12+3reb, K.Kanamaru 11+2reb, H.Kinoshita 7+3reb+7ast, T.Hamada 6+1reb, F.Aono 4+8reb

                            Hitachi SR - Hokkaido L. 74-71

                            The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 2-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 74-71. International power forward Joji Takeuchi (206-85, agency: N.E.T.) nailed a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side and international guard Fumio Nishimura (177-86) accounted for 15 points and 5 assists. The former international guard Takehiko Orimo (190-70) came up with 24 points and 5 rebounds and Senegalese swingman Mamadou Diouf (197-77, college: Delaware) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Hokkaido L. in the defeat.


                            Top scorers:
                            Hitachi SR: J.Takeuchi 19+11reb+2ast, F.Nishimura 15+2reb+5ast, D.Kobayashi 10+2reb+1ast, C.Maraker 8+3reb, T.Sato 7+3reb+2ast, H.Kashiwakura 7+4reb+4ast
                            Hokkaido L.: T.Orimo 24+5reb+2ast, T.Klette 13+3reb+1ast, M.Diouf 13+7reb+1ast, J.Lewis 9+6reb+3ast, R.Sakurai 4+3reb+3ast, T.Abe 3+2reb+5ast

                            ================================================== =======

                            Tochigi Brex - Mitsubishi DD 83-74

                            Mitsubishi Dolphins were trailing by 4 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 29-19 charge of Tochigi Brex, which allowed them to win the game. Quite impressive performance for international guard Takuya Kawamura (193-86) who helped to win the game recording 40 points (!!!), 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. The former international swingman Ken Takeda (188-78) contributed with 7 points and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Ron Hale (203-77, college: Florida St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds and the former international guard Kei Igarashi (180-80) added 21 points and 4 assists in the effort for Mitsubishi Dolphins. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games.


                            Top scorers:
                            Tochigi Brex: T.Kawamura 40+9reb+5ast, L.Rice 8+3reb+1ast, K.Takeda 7+4reb+4ast, D.Yamada 5+6reb+1ast, T.Smith 5+3reb, S.Ito 5+5reb
                            Mitsubishi DD: K.Igarashi 21+1reb+4ast, R.Hale 16+14reb+1ast, S.Utsumi 11+4reb, Y.Yo 6+3reb, J.Uzawa 6+7reb, Z.Abe 6+1ast
                            -AsiaBasket
                            Sacramento Kings
                            HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                            Comment


                            • BJ League Round 1

                              Oct. 8

                              Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix 63 Yokohama B-Corsairs 62

                              Niigata Albirex 98 Shinshu Brave Warriors 75

                              Sendai 89ers 77 Iwate Big Bulls 58

                              Oct. 9

                              Yokohama B-Corsairs 69 Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix 63

                              Niigata Albirex 81 Shinshu Brave Warriors 86

                              Sendai 89ers 74 Iwate Big Bulls 61


                              The expansion teams lost the first of their assignments but did better in their next game by making adjustments. Iwate was just overpowered by the returning Sendai 89ers. Kudos to Yokohama and Shinshu.
                              Sacramento Kings
                              HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                              Comment


                              • Levanga Hokkaido


                                Rough times are ahead for us. One of our stars, Daiji Yamada signed with Link Tochigi Brex. Yamada's lost is somewhat negated with the three imports who play his spot. Tilo Klette, Jai Lewis and Mamadou Diouf were brought in to man the paint.

                                Next season, Ryota Sakurai could be the next to go and Hokkaido's best local player is the veteran Takehiko Orimo who might retire after this season. Then you got a bottom league team that is more suited to the BJ-League.
                                Sacramento Kings
                                HERE WE STAY UNTIL THE COWBELLS COME HOME

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X

                                Debug Information