author

 
 
Ed Odeven
Ed Odeven covers primarily basketball for The Japan Times. He reported on a wide range of sports from the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Summer Games for this newspaper. A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Odeven is a graduate of Arizona State University. He previously worked for the Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff, Ariz., reporting on high school, collegiate, professional and Olympic sports (Flagstaff is a major international Olympic training site due to its high elevation) and writing a weekly column. His articles have appeared in Venezuela Online News, The Gleaner (Jamaica), the Monitor (Uganda), The Moscow Times, Swimming World Magazine and numerous other publications.
BASKETBALL
Jun 22, 2014
Kawachi appointed to JBA board
Toshimitsu Kawachi, the commissioner of the bj-league since its establishment in 2004, on Saturday was appointed to the Japan Basketball Association board, which has been tasked with forming the new, tentatively named P League for the 2016-17 season.
BASKETBALL
Jun 20, 2014
Shiga promotes female manager Morita to assistant coach
Asami Morita has earned a promotion with the Shiga Lakestars. And her new position is unique for a woman in a men's professional sports league.
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jun 19, 2014
Aomori acquires big man Williams from Takamatsu
After 50 defeats in 52 games during the 2011-12 season, the Takamatsu Five Arrows' rebuilding project included a newcomer in the middle, Paul Williams.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS / OLYMPIC NOTEBOOK
Jun 14, 2014
USOC chief calls for changes in bid voting
Larry Probst, the United States Olympic Committee chairman, won't win a popularity contest within the IOC anytime soon.
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jun 12, 2014
With few players selected, draft becoming pointless
The bj-league's inaugural draft in June 2005 featured 26 players, including No. 1 overall pick Jo Kurino by the Oita HeatDevils. There were 102 players who participated in a league-organized tryout two weeks before the draft.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 12, 2014
Wakayama can't afford Pavlicevic
After an ultra-successful start in the National Basketball League, the cash-strapped Wakayama Trians are implementing big budget cuts for the upcoming season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 10, 2014
Pavlicevic to leave Wakayama as team begins massive cost-cutting measures: reports
After a season of sensational accomplishments, the National Basketball League's Wakayama Trians are poised to undergo a complete organizational restructuring, according to published reports.
BASKETBALL
Jun 7, 2014
Togashi departs for U.S., seeks opportunity with NBA teams
Guard Yuki Togashi, who entered the bj-league as a promising backcourt leader at age 19 in February 2013, left Narita airport on Saturday to test his skills in the United States.
BASKETBALL
Jun 6, 2014
Fukushima Firebonds draft forwards Kanno, Masuko
Building a team from scratch, is a step-by-step process. Each new player is a piece to the puzzle.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jun 5, 2014
Toyama named new coach of Shiga
Less than two weeks after a memorable title game, the coaching carousel is moving at warp speed.
BASKETBALL / HOOP SCOOP
Jun 2, 2014
Happinets' Boykin reflects on season
In his many decades in the game, Kazuo Nakamura tinkered with an up-tempo style of basketball he wanted his teams to play. And in recent years, it often involved several of his players taking quick 3-point shots as often as possible.
BASKETBALL
May 30, 2014
Kawai to remain Shinshu coach for 2014-15 season
After leading the Shinshu Brave Warriors to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, head coach Ryuji Kawai will return to the sideline for the bj-league's 2014-15 season, the Eastern Conference club announced on Thursday.
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
May 29, 2014
Teamwork, defense keyed Ryukyu title
What made the Ryukyu Golden Kings' remarkable championship season even more startling was the team's cohesiveness and singular focus. It started in training camp and lasted until the final second ticked off the clock at Ariake Colosseum on Sunday.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
May 27, 2014
Ishibashi won't return for second season as Saitama coach
The Saitama Broncos will not renew head coach Takatoshi "Big Bashi" Ishibashi's contract after a disastrous 5-47 season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 25, 2014
Golden Kings dismantle Happinets in bj-league final; Kishimoto named MVP
One run changed everything.
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
May 25, 2014
Boettcher leaves Lakestars to take over Southern Utah's women's program
Chris Boettcher's stint as Shiga Lakestars head coach lasted one season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 24, 2014
Golden Kings move one step closer to crown
The Ryukyu Golden Kings' 43-9 regular-season record was no accident.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
May 22, 2014
Ryukyu favored to win third title
This season's title chase features three teams that have won 40 or more games, and the winner will be crowned at Ariake Colosseum on Sunday.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / HOOP SCOOP
May 21, 2014
Nash's strong leadership molds Toyama into title contender
Bob Nash's tenure with the University of Hawaii men's basketball team came to an end in March 2010 after a three-year run as head coach and a 34-56 overall record in that span. For Nash, that opportunity came after a 23-year stint as an assistant coach at the school.
BASKETBALL
May 16, 2014
Kanazawa to coach NBDL's Yamagata team
The well-traveled Atsushi Kanazawa will lead the Passlab Yamagata Wyverns in the NBDL, the JBL2's successor, next season, it was announced on Thursday.

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