The Tokyo Apache and the Niigata Albirex BB begin the 2010-11 bj-league season a week later than the other 14 teams. And so they've both had extra time to make preparations for their first game.
The Apache travel to Tohoku to face the 2-0 Sendai 89ers on Saturday and Sunday.
Bob Hill, the Tokyo Apache's first-year coach, was hired to mold the team into a championship contender.