Blessed with talent and depth, this season's Niigata Albirex BB squad has failed to live up to its potential.
Coach Masaya Hirose's team is 22-26 entering its weekend series against the host Toyama Grouses. It has an 11-13 home record and an 11-13 road record.
In addition, the Albirex have been careless caretakers of the basketball, as evidenced by their 634 assists and 639 turnovers. No coach would be pleased by similar numbers.