The 11th and final bj-league season gets underway on Friday night, signaling an end to several months of massive changes within the league.
Meanwhile, three proud franchises ¡ª the reigning champion Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix, Osaka Evessa and Ryukyu Golden Kings ¡ª have a shot at breaking the deadlock for most titles (three) before the book is closed on this colorful chapter in Japanese basketball history.
The Evessa haven¡¯t won a title since league legends and frontcourt stars Jeff Newton and Lynn Washington, now both retired, teamed up to guide the club to a three-peat from 2005-08.
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