The Final Four picture is now set, and it's a decidedly different look this year.
The Akita Northern Happinets and Iwate Big Bulls will represent the Eastern Conference, while the Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix and Shiga Lakestars advanced from the Western Conference.
The Big Bulls and Lakestars both earned their first trips to the Final Four. The Happinets, the 2013-14 championship runnerup squad, will return for a second straight season, while the Phoenix will appear in the playoffs' final weekend for the first time since 2012.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.