The Osaka Evessa have decided not to renew coach Ryan Blackwell's contract, The Japan Times learned late Wednesday night.
Team manager Keisuke Hirose informed Blackwell of ownership's decision on Wednesday. This came after Blackwell had detected Osaka general manager Hirotaro Nomamoto's demeanor was different at the Final Four last weekend at Ariake Colosseum than it had been throughout his two years as head coach. It appeared the GM was uncomfortable being around him now, Blackwell said.
"We had a good relationship," Blackwell said of Nomamoto in a telephone interview. "We had a meeting once a week."