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 Kaz Nagatsuka

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Kaz Nagatsuka
Kaz Nagatsuka is a staff writer covering Japanese sports, including Japanese professional baseball, basketball, American football and individual sports. He has covered big sporting events such as the World Baseball Classic, the NFL Super Bowl and soccer's World Cup.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / NBA
Jul 8, 2014
New Utah Jazz assistant coach Lang 'grateful' for past coaching experiences in Japan
Ex-Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins bench boss Antonio Lang has earned a job in the world's premier basketball league. But he has no intention of cutting his ties with Japanese hoops; after all, he's grown to cherish the game here.
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Jun 23, 2014
Irie rediscovers mojo after difficult year in pool
After a year of adversity, Japan's top backstroke swimmer Ryosuke Irie is back in the spotlight, trying to once again be one of the world's best.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 22, 2014
Basketball star Tokashiki ready to test ability at world championship
At the age of 23, Ramu Tokashiki is already a big presence in Japan's women's basketball scene. But she is also thirsty for tougher competition, which she can't really get at home.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 14, 2014
Star guard Oga lashes out at JBA
Japan women's national team star Yuko Oga angrily pointed at a banner that hung on the wall at a practice gym while she had a conversation with reporters.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jun 13, 2014
JOC grooms young athletes for international success at Elite Academy
Since 2008, the Japanese Olympic Committee has run a national youth athlete development program called the JOC Elite Academy. It's a part of the JOC Gold Plan, which was drawn up to improve Japan's international competitiveness in sports seven years before the development program was established.
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.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 27, 2014
Source says Lang out as coach of Mitsubishi
Antonio Lang has been dismissed as head coach of the the NBL's Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins, The Japan Times has learned.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 24, 2014
Brave Thunders cap dominant season with NBL championship
They had the best record during the regular season (46-8), produced the league's best player, and swept through the conference finals. Now they've added one last dominating victory in the championship round.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 22, 2014
Shinoyama drains buzzer-beating shot as Toshiba takes 2-0 lead in NBL Finals
Missing one of their best players, the Wakayama Trians gave a wholehearted performance, and it paid off until the last seconds of the game.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 21, 2014
Brave Thunders beat Trians in Game 1 of NBL Finals
Wakayama had the momentum in the opening half, but Toshiba prevailed in the latter as the Brave Thunders defeated the Trians 69-61 in Game 1 of the NBL Finals at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 2 on Wednesday night.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 20, 2014
'Unfinished business' fires up MVP Fazekas, Toshiba
Having wrapped up team practice, center Nick Fazekas took off his 38-cm (15-inch) shoes and sat on the bench in a relaxed manner.
BASKETBALL
May 16, 2014
FIBA threatens JBA with suspension for inaction over merger
It appears to be an ultimatum for the Japan Basketball Association.
Japan Times
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May 11, 2014
Triumphant Gatlin grabs spotlight in 100-meter race
Former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin cruised to the finish line with a winning time of 10.02 seconds, while Japanese teenage phenom Yoshihide Kiryu sank to fifth place in the men's 100-meter dash race in the Golden Grand Prix Tokyo meet at National Stadium on Sunday.
Japan Times
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May 10, 2014
Gatlin urges Kiryu to believe in his ability
Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin has told Japanese sprinters that posting a sub-10-second mark is a feat, but ultimately not difficult to achieve.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 8, 2014
Basketball clinics increasing coaches' knowledge of game
This season, Donald Beck put in overtime work away from his obligations with the Toyota Alvark basketball team.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 5, 2014
Alvark storm past Brex in decisive Game 3
Once again, the Toyota Alvark encountered a fearless challenge from the Link Tochigi Brex. But the Alvark displayed better composure and the knack for winning a big game.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 4, 2014
Brex beat Alvark to tie semifinal series
The Brex players gave it their all for the entire game, and sent their loyal fans nuts with an emotional victory.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 3, 2014
Alvark clobber Brex in teams' playoff opener
Though they dealt with some threatening moments, the Toyota Motors Alvark buckled down when it mattered most and came out on top in the end.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 1, 2014
Fazekas named NBL MVP
Toshiba Brave Thunders center Nick Fazekas was voted the NBL's Most Valuable Player for the 2013-14 regular season, the league announced on Thursday.

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