KASUKABE, Saitama Pref. — It's no shock that the Sendai 89ers are once again one of the most consistent, quality clubs in the bj-league. Above all, it begins with good coaching.

Since the team entered the bj-league in 2005, Honoo Hamaguchi has been at the helm, steering the team in the right direction, confidently, capably and with a never-waving commitment to team-first basketball.

In an age of reality TV, with instant celebrities made every day through Twitter, YouTube and related mediums, Hamaguchi doesn't crave attention. But he approaches his job with a singular goal in mind: success.