Bob Pierce is the first head coach in bj-league history to be handed the reins of two expansion teams in their first seasons.
After leading the Shiga Lakestars for two seasons, including a playoff appearance in their second season during the 2009-10 campaign, he's embraced a new challenge as the first bench boss in Akita Northern Happinets history. (The Miyazaki Shining Suns and Shimane Susanoo Magic also begin their first seasons in October.)
Akita played its first-ever preseason game on Sunday, earning an 86-77 victory over the host Toyama Grouses.