Championships are won with well-orchestrated teamwork. The Alvark Tokyo did just that and played a polished, patient but aggressive game on Saturday. They showcased flashy plays but mostly stuck with their bread-and-butter offense, moving the ball and taking shots in players' comfort zones. Smart plan. Conversely, the Chiba Jets Funabashi had no sustained answers for the Alvark's methodical offense, and Tokyo controlled large stretches of their showdown. It all added up to a comprehensive 85-60 victory in the B. League Final at Yokohama Arena before an announced crowd of 12,005. The Alvark completed their championship run with nine straight wins, and an East Division club won the title for the second time in as many B. League seasons. (The Tochigi Brex accomplished the feat last May.) After exchanging hugs and high-fives with players and team staff, first-year Alvark bench boss Luka Pavicevic (agency: BeoBasket ) summarized the team's goal moving forward, speaking about games and seasons: 'This team will fight for every one of them that exists.' It was the blueprint of their title-winning campaign, too. Alvark captain Takeki Shonaka was handed the championship trophy after the game ended and joyfully celebrated with his teammates on the court. Former University of New Mexico center Alex Kirk (211-C-91, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) paced Tokyo (50-16 overall) with a game-high 23 points on 11-for-15 shooting. B. League Champion MVP Daiki Tanaka (191-F-91) poured in 15 points and dished out five assists, Yudai Baba (193-SF-95) had 14 points and three steals and ex-NBA forward Jawad Williams added 10 points. 'First of all, I would like to congratulate my team,' Pavicevic told reporters. 'They came in and they had their heads and bodies ready to fight in the championship game in Japan. It's a long season. And it's not an easy thing to do, and it's my congratulations and appreciation (for their effort).' Tanaka called it a 'defensive victory.' He cited the fast break as instrumental in the win, too. Looking back at the game, Pavicevic said, 'OK, so, the game plan against Chiba is to not let them run and that means not give them an easy game going, because they are very talented and fast-moving players. Second is to not let them rebound . . . second-chance offense helps them win many games.' But in the close first quarter, Pavicevic mentioned that three or four turnovers gave the Jets chances to run, and a few rebounds gave the extra scoring opportunities as well. 'In the second quarter, we just tightened the screws on something that doesn't look extraordinary . . . but don't let Chiba score easy on fast breaks and don't let them bring the potency in rebounding,' Pavicevic stated. In Game 2 of the Mikawa series in the playoff semifinals, Pavicevic cited a close-out, one-on-one defensive situation against SeaHorses star Makoto Hiejima (190-G/F-90) last Sunday, in which Tanaka hurt his hamstring, slipping on a wet spot on the floor in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture. Tanaka didn't practice this week and was questionable for the final. 'Daiki has stepped up mentally and physically. He didn't want to let his team down,' Pavicevic said of Tanaka's performance. '. . . He's obviously our offensive option No. 1.' 'He didn't back down from his defensive (assignment),' the coach added. The Alvark held the Jets to 34.6 percent shooting through three quarters, including 3 of 18 on 3-pointers, while making 55.3 percent. Chiba coach Atsushi Ono insisted his team's 17 turnovers were too many in his opening remarks to reporters in the post-game news conference. He commended Tokyo for its impressive pick-and-roll plays, a big part of its title-winning offense. Pavicevic, who hails from Montenegro, effectively made player substitutions time after time and they capitalized on their energy and tenacious defense. Rookie Baba wowed the crowd with a flashy reverse layup from the baseline to give the Alvark a 68-51 lead. Chiba called a timeout with 6:48 left in the game. The timeout didn't quell Tokyo's momentum. Kirk stuffed a putback attempt to make it 70-53. Baba put the game on ice with a crowd-pleasing jam off a steal for an 82-58 Tokyo lead with 1:10 remaining. 'Yudai's role on this team is very important,' Pavicevic said of the 22-year-old small forward. 'He brings energy, he brings courage, he brings initiative and he brings speed and intensity on both ends of the floor. 'Overall, Yudai was of tremendous importance in this game.' 'They won it fair and square,' Jets forward Michael Parker (202-F-81, college: Evergreen St.) said. Jets big man Gavin Edwards (206-F/C-88, college: Connecticut) said the biggest factor in the match was the Alvark's impressive offense. 'They're like a machine,' he said. On the other end, Edwards said, the Tokyo defense 'forced us into taking some bad shots.' Edwards led Chiba with 16 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Parker and Leo Lyons finished with 12 points apiece and Ono scored eight. Yuki Togashi contributed seven points and five assists, while Parker had five steals. The East Division champion Jets (52-16) took the first lead on a Parker layup on their first possession of the game. The Alvark, making their second trip down the court on offense, knotted it at 2-2 on Tanaka's drive to the hoop. Then Togashi made it 4-2 on a nifty inside move. Chiba's Aki Chambers (190-G-90, college: Cal Merced) picked up his second foul at the 5:22 mark of the first quarter and went to the bench. Tanaka sank a stop-and-pop 3 from the left wing to put the Alvark ahead 11-8 before Edwards made two free throws to trim the lead to 11-10. The big men had the center stage in the early going. For instance, as the quarter neared its finish Kirk caught a lob from Genki Kojima and scored on a forceful dunk, and on the next sequence Edwards knocked down a straightaway 3, tying it at 13-13. The Alvark scored the last two points of the opening stanza on a pair of Baba free throws. That gave them a 19-18 advantage. In the second quarter, Ono converted a smooth post-up jumper in the lane to put the Jets in front 20-19 with about 9 minutes before halftime. The Alvark used a 9-0 spurt to build some breathing room between them and their East Division rival, pulling ahead 40-31. Baba and Seiya Ando capped the run with a pair of layups, the last of which came after a Jets turnover. The lead changed 11 times in a tight, back-and-forth opening half. Lyons ended the run with a layup, but Williams had the final highlight of the half, dribbling from midcourt and pulling up a few steps later for a long 3-pointer. Alvark teammates congratulated a fired-up Williams immediately, and they strolled off the court with a 43-33 lead. That emotion carried over to the second half for the champs. "In the second half, I think we were very focused on both ends of the floor,' Pavicevic stated. 'After Jawad's 3-pointer, I think the players understood that we needed to stay calm,' was the way he prefaced the team's effort in the latter half. Dealing with strong on-ball defense from Tokyo, Chiba shot 38.2 percent, including 2 of 10 on 3s, from the floor in the first half, while the Alvark made 56.3 percent of their shots. Kirk had 13 points on 6-for-7 shooting by halftime and Lyons had 11 off the bench for the Jets. The third quarter began with Tanaka burying a fadeaway jumper, and the Alvark extending their lead to 47-33 on a Kirk layup. The Jets responded, pulling within 47-39 when Ono drained a 3 from the top of the arc with about 6:30 remaining in the third. Then, after a Tokyo timeout, Zack Baranski (193-G/F-92) made a left-baseline 3 for a 50-39 Tokyo lead. The Jets, who never led in the third, trailed 61-49 entering the fourth. They were held to 11 fourth-quarter points as Tokyo's defense sealed the title. 'They are so competitive and proud athletes,' Paviecevic said of his team. 'It would be a waste if we don't (make a) run for championship even if it's the first year. Commenting on the team's 2017-18 goal, he added this: 'I told my players they are good now, but let's go for it now, and let's work on getting better later. We still need to get better.' Courtesy of: japantimes.co.jp
B2 League Round 22: Cyberdyne IR loses #1 position - 4 hours ago
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There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position and favorites losing the games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.
The biggest surprise took place in Fukushima where host Fukushima (9-13) beat league's leader Cyberdyne IR (15-7) 83-73 on Wednesday evening. The game was dominated by American players. Power forward Evan Ravenel (204-89, college: Ohio St.) fired 31 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Chris Brady (... [read more]
There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position and favorites losing the games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.
The biggest surprise took place in Fukushima where host Fukushima (9-13) beat league's leader Cyberdyne IR (15-7) 83-73 on Wednesday evening. The game was dominated by American players. Power forward Evan Ravenel (204-89, college: Ohio St.) fired 31 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Chris Brady (208-95, college: Monmouth) chipped in 17 points and 19 rebounds. Forward Scootie Randall (198-90, college: Temple) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Cyberdyne IR's coach Kazuto Uehara rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fukushima maintains fifth position with 9-13 record. Cyberdyne IR at the other side dropped to the second place with seven games lost. They share the position with Toyotsu FE. They were replaced at the leadership position by Kumamoto V.. Cyberdyne IR will play next round against strong Toyotsu FE trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Fukushima will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Orange Vikings in Matsuyama. Important game to mention about took place in Takamatsu. Fourth ranked Orange Vikings (8-14) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Kagawa FA (6-15) 78-77 in the game for the fourth place. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-90, college: Oklahoma) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds. Lakeem Jackson contributed with 17 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Guard Terrance Woodbury (201-87, college: Georgia) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for Kagawa FA. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Orange Vikings maintains fourth position with 8-14 record, which they share with Nishinomiya S. Kagawa FA lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Bambitious Nara. Orange Vikings will play against Fukushima (#5) on the road in the next round. Kagawa FA will play against Shimane Magic and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Very important is a road loss of third ranked Tokyo Z (10-12) against fourth ranked Nishinomiya S. (8-14) on Wednesday night. Visiting Tokyo Z was defeated by Nishinomiya S. in a tough game in Hyogo 61-68. Brad Waldow had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Nigel Spikes responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds. Nishinomiya S. maintains fourth position with 8-14 record, which they share with Ehime OV. Tokyo Z lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Yamagata. Nishinomiya S. will meet at home Aomori Watts (#6) in the next round. Tokyo Z will play against the league's leader Shinshu BW in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Very important is a road loss of third ranked Shimane Magic (14-8) against sixth ranked Bambitious Nara (6-15) on Wednesday night. Visiting Shimane Magic was defeated by Bambitious Nara in a tough game in Nara 78-83. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Shimane Magic. Jeffrey Parmer notched 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Bambitious Nara's coach Haruyuki Ishibashi allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Bambitious Nara moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Kagawa FA. Shimane Magic at the other side keeps the third position with eight games lost. Bambitious Nara's next round opponent will be higher ranked Gunma (#3) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Shimane Magic will play against Kagawa FA and hope to win that game and get promotion back to the B League just one year after relegation. Very important is a road loss of second ranked Toyotsu FE (15-7) against fifth ranked Kanazawa Sam. (5-17) on Wednesday night. Visiting Toyotsu FE was defeated by Kanazawa Sam. in Ishikawa 89-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Toyotsu FE. Denzel Bowles fired a double-double by scoring 44 points (!!!), 17 rebounds and 4 assists (on 20-of-25 shooting from the field) for the winners. Kanazawa Sam. maintains fifth position with 5-17 record. Loser Toyotsu FE keeps the second place with seven games lost. Kanazawa Sam. will face league's second-placed Dragonflies in Hiroshima in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Toyotsu FE will play at home against the league's second-placed Cyberdyne IR and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Rest of the games of round 22 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are: Sendai 89ers defeated Aomori Watts in a road game 84-75. Tokyo HT were beaten by Shinshu BW at home 75-88. Yamagata lost to Gunma on the opponent's court 70-81. Kumamoto V. managed to outperform Hiroshima D. in a home game 86-75. The best stats of 22th round was 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists by Jamari Traylor of Hiroshima D..
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Tokyo Z (10-12) against fourth ranked Nishinomiya S. (8-14) on Wednesday night. Visiting Tokyo Z was defeated by Nishinomiya S. in a tough game in Hyogo 61-68. Nishinomiya S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American center Brad Waldow (208-91, college: St.Mary's, CA, agency: Octagon Europe) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Draelon Burns (194-85, college: De Paul) chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists during the contest. Four Nishinomiya S. players scored in double figures. At the losing side American center Nigel Spikes (208-89, college: Marshall) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds and South Sudanese forward Mogga Lado (201-95, college: Campbell) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Nishinomiya S. maintains fourth position with 8-14 record, which they share with Ehime OV. Tokyo Z lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Yamagata. Nishinomiya S. will meet at home Aomori Watts (#6) in the next round. Tokyo Z will play against the league's leader Shinshu BW in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Nishinomiya S.: B.Waldow 17+10reb+2ast, T.Yanagawa 12+1reb+4ast, D.Burns 11+7reb+8ast, N.Tani 10+4reb, N.Dohara 9+3reb+4ast, K.Matsuzaki 9+1reb+2ast Tokyo Z: N.Spikes 25+14reb+1ast, M.Lado 12+7reb+2ast, T.Masuko 8+4reb+3ast, T.Kashiwagura 8+1reb+8ast, S.Takayama 4+1reb, S.Kawai 2+1reb+1ast
There was no surprise when 6th ranked Aomori Watts (6-16) were defeated at home by second ranked Sendai 89ers (16-6) 84-75 on Wednesday. American forward Tyler Harris (208-93, college: Auburn) fired a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds for the winners. The other American import forward Jerome Tillman (201-87, college: Ohio, agency: Inception Sports) chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. Sendai 89ers' coach Dai Oketani used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Cullen Russo (206-94, college: Fresno St.) produced a double-double by scoring 32 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Toshio Kan (184-94) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Sendai 89ers keep a position of league leader, which they share with Hiroshima D. Aomori Watts lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 16 games lost. Sendai 89ers will face league's leader Kumamoto V. at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Aomori Watts will play against Nishinomiya S. (#4) in Hyogo and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Sendai 89ers: T.Harris 33+12reb+3ast, J.Tillman 23+8reb+2ast, T.Shirato 9+1reb, T.Toshino 8+1reb, S.Takeshi 5+2reb+3ast, T.Masato 2+1reb+2ast Aomori Watts: C.Russo 32+15reb+4ast, T.Kan 14+4reb+4ast, J.Jucikas 7+1reb+1ast, K.Monma 6+2reb+2ast, T.Sano 6+4reb+3ast, K.Sameshima 5+1reb+1ast
No shocking result in a game when first ranked Shinshu BW (19-3) defeated on the road 6th ranked Tokyo HT (3-19) 88-75 on Wednesday. Shinshu BW looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Tokyo HT's players. American center Wayne Marshall (211-86, college: Temple) fired 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks (perfect from the field making all twelve shots !!!) for the winners. Guard Kaito Ishikawa (188-90) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 assists. Five Shinshu BW players scored in double figures. Shinshu BW's coach Michael Katsuhisa used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Cleanthony Early (203-91, college: Wichita St.) produced a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Deangelo Kirkland (203-89, college: Columbus St., agency: Interperformances) added 10 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Shinshu BW have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 19-3 record. Tokyo HT lost ninth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with 19 games lost. Shinshu BW will face Tokyo Z (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Tokyo HT will play against Yamagata and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Shinshu BW: W.Marshall 28+9reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 17+1reb+13ast, K.Mitsui 12+2reb+1ast, A.McHenry 11+11reb+6ast, L.Kurihara 11+2ast, H.Hiroaki 7+3reb+2ast Tokyo HT: C.Early 27+11reb+3ast, H.Ogane 16+2reb, D.Kirkland 10+12reb+6ast, Y.Okada 8+3reb+1ast, M.Kamezaki 7+2reb+2ast, O.Yusaku 7+1reb
Important game to mention about took place in Takamatsu. Fourth ranked Orange Vikings (8-14) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Kagawa FA (6-15) 78-77 in the game for the fourth place. Orange Vikings made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-90, college: Oklahoma) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds. Swingman Lakeem Jackson (195-90, college: S.Carolina, agency: SDJ Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Guard Terrance Woodbury (201-87, college: Georgia) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds and forward Reginald Warren (204-81, college: W.Florida, agency: Inception Sports) added 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in the effort for Kagawa FA. Four Kagawa FA players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Orange Vikings maintains fourth position with 8-14 record, which they share with Nishinomiya S. Kagawa FA lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Bambitious Nara. Orange Vikings will play against Fukushima (#5) on the road in the next round. Kagawa FA will play against Shimane Magic and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Ehime OV: A.Fitzgerald 27+11reb+2ast, L.Jackson 17+17reb+3ast, K.Takabatake 12+3reb+2ast, Y.Yashiro 8+1reb+2ast, M.Tate 8+2reb+2ast, T.Kasahara 2+4reb+7ast Kagawa FA: T.Woodbury 20+11reb+3ast, R.Warren 16+12reb+1ast, T.Kanji 14+3reb+4ast, K.Fujioka 11+2reb+3ast, S.Takada 7+2reb+1ast, A.Osawa 3+1reb+4ast
The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Yamagata's (10-12) road loss to third ranked Gunma (14-8) 70-81 on Wednesday. Gunma dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Yamagata's 38. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Thomas Kennedy (201-87, college: Detroit Mercy) fired 28 points and 5 assists for the winners. Nigerian forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC) chipped in 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Gunma players scored in double figures. American-Irish swingman Will Hanley (201-90, college: Bowdoin, agency: Duran International) produced 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Hikaru Akiyama (174-95) added 9 points respectively for lost side. Yamagata's coach Ryutaro Onodera tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Gunma have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 14-8 record having just two points less than leader Kumamoto V., which they share with Shimane SM. Loser Yamagata dropped to the third place with 12 games lost. Gunma will face Bambitious Nara (#5) at home in the next round. Yamagata will play against Tokyo HT and hope to win that game. Top scorers: Gunma: T.Kennedy 28+4reb+5ast, A.Kuso 18+8reb+4ast, M.Komaki 17+4reb+1ast, H.Kondo 10+3reb+4ast, M.Obuchi 4+3reb+5ast, M.Shimada 2+1reb Yamagata: W.Hanley 13+9reb+4ast, Y.Takamatsu 11+4ast, H.Furuhashi 10+2reb+3ast, C.Maduabum 9+4reb, A.Hikaru 9+4reb+2ast, M.Izawa 7+3reb+2ast
The biggest surprise took place in Fukushima where host Fukushima (9-13) beat league's leader Cyberdyne IR (15-7) 83-73 on Wednesday evening. The game was dominated by American players. Power forward Evan Ravenel (204-89, college: Ohio St.) fired 31 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center Chris Brady (208-95, college: Monmouth) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 19 rebounds. Forward Scootie Randall (198-90, college: Temple) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Carl Baptiste (208-90, college: Delaware) added 16 points and 15 rebounds respectively for lost side. Cyberdyne IR's coach Kazuto Uehara rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fukushima maintains fifth position with 9-13 record. Cyberdyne IR at the other side dropped to the second place with seven games lost. They share the position with Toyotsu FE. They were replaced at the leadership position by Kumamoto V.. Cyberdyne IR will play next round against strong Toyotsu FE trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Fukushima will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Orange Vikings in Matsuyama. Top scorers: Fukushima: E.Ravenel 31+8reb+2ast, C.Brady 17+19reb+1ast, Y.Kanbara 11+2reb+3ast, T.Kawamitsu 9+1reb+1ast, S.Shinnosuke 6+2reb, S.Muto 3+2reb+2ast Cyberdyne IR: S.Randall 21+10reb+4ast, C.Baptiste 16+15reb+1ast, Y.Takahashi 11+2ast, K.Fukuzawa 10, J.Maniwa 5+3reb+3ast, A.Hirao 4+2reb+5ast
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Shimane Magic (14-8) against sixth ranked Bambitious Nara (6-15) on Wednesday night. Visiting Shimane Magic was defeated by Bambitious Nara in a tough game in Nara 78-83. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Shimane Magic. Bambitious Nara made 23-of-26 charity shots (88.5 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: Florida Atlantic) notched 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and the other American import power forward Gary Hamilton (208-84, college: Miami, FL, agency: Inception Sports) supported him with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Bambitious Nara's coach Haruyuki Ishibashi allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even a double-double of 16 points and 17 rebounds by Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Shimane Magic. Hungarian Rosco Allen (208-93, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) added 17 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Four Bambitious Nara and five Shimane Magic players scored in double figures. Bambitious Nara moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Kagawa FA. Shimane Magic at the other side keeps the third position with eight games lost. Bambitious Nara's next round opponent will be higher ranked Gunma (#3) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Shimane Magic will play against Kagawa FA and hope to win that game and get promotion back to the B League just one year after relegation. Top scorers: Bambitious Nara: J.Parmer 25+8reb+6ast, Y.Yokoe 16+4reb+4ast, J.Honda 12+1reb+3ast, G.Hamilton 12+8reb+7ast, K.Taneichi 7+3reb, Y.Maemura 6+1reb+4ast Shimane SM: R.Allen 17+8reb+3ast, G.Echenique 16+17reb+3ast, T.Iju 12+2reb+3ast, T.Soma 12+3reb+2ast, K.Sato 11+3reb+2ast, H.Kitagawa 8+2reb+5ast
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both first ranked Kumamoto V. and their biggest opponent Dragonflies had identical 16-5 record. This time Kumamoto V. used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Hiroshima 86-75 on Wednesday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Dutch-Australian power forward Josh Duinker (209-89, college: Richmond) fired a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Yoshihiko Toshino (186-92) chipped in 23 points. Five Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. American power forward Jamari Traylor (203-92, college: Kansas) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international forward Shogo Asayama (192-81) added 27 points respectively for lost side. Kumamoto V. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-5 record which they share with defeated Dragonflies. Newly promoted Dragonflies still keep top place with six games lost. Kumamoto V. will face league's leader Sendai 89ers on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Dragonflies will play against Kanazawa Sam. and hope to win that game. Top scorers: Kumamoto V.: Y.Toshino 23+2reb+2ast, J.Duinker 21+12reb+2ast, T.Furuno 14+3reb+7ast, M.Fukuda 10+2reb+2ast, S.Morrison 10+6reb+2ast, R.Nakanishi 6+4reb+1ast Hiroshima D.: S.Asayama 27+3reb+1ast, J.Traylor 18+14reb+4ast, E.Thompson 12+11reb, H.Okamoto 7+2reb+5ast, K.Yamada 4+3reb+1ast, D.Sakamoto 4+1reb+1ast
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Toyotsu FE (15-7) against fifth ranked Kanazawa Sam. (5-17) on Wednesday night. Visiting Toyotsu FE was defeated by Kanazawa Sam. in Ishikawa 89-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Toyotsu FE. Kanazawa Sam. dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Toyotsu FE's 54. They outrebounded Toyotsu FE 41-27 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kanazawa Sam. looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. American power forward Denzel Bowles (208-89, college: JMU) fired a double-double by scoring 44 points (!!!), 17 rebounds and 4 assists (on 20-of-25 shooting from the field) for the winners. Jamaican-American power forward Ryan Reid (204-86, college: Florida St.) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. American center Garrett Stutz (214-90, college: Wichita St.) produced 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward Josh Hawkinson (208-95, college: Washington St.) added 23 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Kanazawa Sam. maintains fifth position with 5-17 record. Loser Toyotsu FE keeps the second place with seven games lost. Kanazawa Sam. will face league's second-placed Dragonflies in Hiroshima in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Toyotsu FE will play at home against the league's second-placed Cyberdyne IR and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Kanazawa Sam.: D.Bowles 44+17reb+4ast, R.Honma 14+3reb+4ast, R.Reid 12+8reb+2ast, T.Yonamine 6+3reb+5ast, R.Takeda 5+2ast, Y.Inoue 4+3reb+1ast Toyotsu FE: G.Stutz 25+8reb+4ast, J.Hawkinson 23+7reb+2ast, E.Yamamoto 11+1reb+9ast, Y.Miyazaki 7+1reb+1ast, N.Reiya 7+3reb+2ast, H.Tobita 3+2reb
JOSH CHILDRESS San-en NeoPhoenix (B League) landed experienced 35-year old American swingman Josh Childress (203-95kg-83, college: Stanford). It is actually his comeback to San en NeoPhoenix as he has played here before. Childress played most recently at 36ers in Australian NBL league. In 27 games he averaged 12.5ppg, 6.6rpg (#5 in the league), 2.1apg and 1.1spg last season. Childress helped them to make it to the final after they ended regular season as second best team. In 2004 Childre... [read more]
JOSH CHILDRESS
San-en NeoPhoenix (B League) landed experienced 35-year old American swingman Josh Childress (203-95kg-83, college: Stanford). It is actually his comeback to San en NeoPhoenix as he has played here before. Childress played most recently at 36ers in Australian NBL league. In 27 games he averaged 12.5ppg, 6.6rpg (#5 in the league), 2.1apg and 1.1spg last season. Childress helped them to make it to the final after they ended regular season as second best team. In 2004 Childress was drafted by Atlanta Hawks (NBA) in first round (6th overall). He attended Stanford University and it is his 15th (!!!) season in pro basketball.
Japanese B League round 21 best performance: Julian Mavunga (by Interperformances) - 4 days ago
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JULIAN MAVUNGA Zimbabwean-American Power forward Julian Mavunga (203-PF-90, agency: Pensack Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for Kyoto Hannar., receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 21. The 28-year old player was the main contributor (25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Akita NH (#5, 8-13) 79-78. Kyoto Hannar. maintains the 3rd position in their group in Japanese B League. They would have... [read more]
JULIAN MAVUNGA
Zimbabwean-American Power forward Julian Mavunga (203-PF-90, agency: Pensack Sports) had an amazing evening in the last round for Kyoto Hannar., receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 21. The 28-year old player was the main contributor (25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists) to his team's victory, helping them to edge out Akita NH (#5, 8-13) 79-78. Kyoto Hannar. maintains the 3rd position in their group in Japanese B League. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Kyoto Hannar. will need more victories to improve their 12-9 record. Mavunga turned to be Kyoto Hannar.'s top player in his first season with the team. Former Miami University, Ohio star has very solid stats this year. Mavunga is in league's top in points (9th best: 20.4ppg) and averages impressive 51.0% FGP.
The second best player in last round's games was 30-year old Nigerian Gani Lawal (206-F/C-88, agency: Octagon Europe) of Shiga L-Stars. Lawal had a very good evening with a double-double of 37 points and 14 rebounds. Bad luck as Shiga L-Stars was edged by slightly higher-ranked San-en (#5, 9-12) 85-84. Shiga L-Stars managed to keep the same 6th spot in Central. 17 lost games are too many comparing to just four victories Shiga L-Stars managed to get this year. Lawal is a newcomer at Shiga L-Stars, but is already one of team's top players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 20.8ppg (#8). He also registered 11.7 boards per game.
Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Davante Gardner (203-PF-91) of league's top team Niigata Albirex. Gardner showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Gardner's great performance Niigata Albirex lost 83-86 to #3 ranked Toyota Alvark. But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The last thing Niigata Albirex needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams in East. Their record is 14 victories and 7 lost games. Gardner has a great season in Japan. After 21 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 26.5ppg (best scorer) and rebounds with 11.2rpg (6th best).
Other top performing players last week: 4. Joshua Smith (208-C-92) of Toyama Grouses - 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists 5. Justin Keenan (202-F/C-88) of Akita NH - 32 points and 13 rebounds 6. Ryan Rossiter (204-F-89) of Tochigi Brex - 25 points and 16 rebounds 7. William McDonald (206-F-79) of San-en - 30 points and 9 rebounds 8. Josh Harrellson (208-F-89) of Osaka Evessa - 27 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists 9. Nick Fazekas (211-F/C-85) of Kawasaki BT - 26 points and 12 rebounds 10. Tatsuya Ito (173-PG-94) of Kyoto Hannar. - 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc. The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy. The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)
The Player of the Week awards are presented by Interperformances. Interperformances is a full-service agency specializing in the representation of professional athletes the world-over. With more than forty-eight years of experience, INTERPERFORMANCES is well known to all professional teams and clubs. General Managers trust and rely on our opinions and recommendations.
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