Almost nothing remains the same in the Eastern Conference, as all 10 head coaches this season are in spots that they didn't occupy at this time a year ago.
But in the Western Conference well-established stars Lynn Washington of the Osaka Evessa and Jeff Newton and Anthony McHenry of the Ryukyu Golden Kings have their teams primed for another run at the title.
The Evessa and the Shimane Susanoo Magic made big offseason moves, acquiring All-Stars Cohey Aoki and Michael Parker, respectively.