Hiroshima Dragonflies
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The Hiroshima Dragonflies (in Japanese: 広島ドラゴンフライズ) are a professional basketball team based in Hiroshima, Japan. In October 2014 they commenced competing in the Western Conference of the Japanese National Basketball League.[1] In September 2016 they joined the B.League, the NBL's successor league, and currently play in the first division's Western Conference. The Dragonflies have won the B.League championship once, in 2024.[2]
History
Foundation
In April 2014, following the announcement that the former Japan Basketball League would be restructured as the National Basketball League, a group was launched to support the formation of a professional basketball team in Hiroshima.[3] In May 2014 the group received support from the prefectural basketball association [4] and an application to join the NBL was submitted in July.[5] In August 2014 the application was approved[6] and the name Hiroshima Dragonflies was decided.[7] In October 2014 an operating company Hiroshima Dragonflies Corporation (株式会社広島ドラゴンフライズ) was established.
Championship (2024)
On May 29, 2024, the Dragonflies won their first-ever B1 League championship after they defeated the Ryukyu Golden Kings 2–1 in the finals.[2]
Team
Head coach
The inaugural head coach of the Dragonflies was Kenichi Sako, a former Japanese national player. It was the first coaching role for Sako, who was known as "Mr. Basketball" during his playing career that ended in 2011.[8]
The team has not been able to retain a coach during the 2017–2018 season, and players have been filling in to the team's detriment.
- Kenichi Sako
- Jamie Andrisevic
- Shogo Asayama
- Shota Shakuno
- Takeshi Hotta
- Kyle Milling
Roster
Hiroshima Dragonflies roster | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Kyle Milling
Shoyo Kato
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Arenas
- Hiroshima Sun Plaza
- Fukuyama Rose Arena
- Shishin-yo Oak Arena
- Higashihiroshima Sports Park Gymnasium
- Maeda Housing Higashiku Sports Center
Notable players
- Clint Chapman
- Daniel Dillon
- Yusuke Okada
- Shannon Shorter
- Kosuke Takeuchi
- Wendell White
- Daiji Yamada
- Kai Sotto
References
- ^ Hiroshima Dragonflies triumph in NBL regular season debut
- ^ a b "HIROSHIMA DRAGON FLIES - B. LEAGUE 2023-24 season annual championship". www.bleague.global. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ ""Pro basketball in Hiroshima" - Aiming to join the NBL next year". Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
- ^ ""Pro basketball in Hiroshima" - Aiming to join the NBL next year". Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
- ^ Hiroshima group applies to join new league Archived 2014-03-24 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ NBL send approval notice - Hiroshima group to join next year Archived 2014-03-24 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ NBL Hiroshima expansion team to be named "Dragonflies" Archived 2014-03-24 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ 'Mr Basketball' back on court in new role
External links
- Team homepage
- v
- t
- e
(2023–24)
- Akita Northern Happinets
- Alvark Tokyo
- Chiba Jets Funabashi
- Gunma Crane Thunders
- Hiroshima Dragonflies
- Ibaraki Robots
- Kawasaki Brave Thunders
- Kyoto Hannaryz
- Levanga Hokkaido
- Nagasaki Velca
- Nagoya Diamond Dolphins
- Osaka Evessa
- Ryukyu Golden Kings
- Saga Ballooners
- San-en NeoPhoenix
- SeaHorses Mikawa
- Sendai 89ers
- Shimane Susanoo Magic
- Shinshu Brave Warriors
- Sun Rockers Shibuya
- Toyama Grouses
- Toyotsu Fighting Eagles Nagoya
- Utsunomiya Brex
- Yokohama B-Corsairs
(2023–24)
(2023–24)
- Earth Friends Tokyo Z
- Fukui Blowinds
- Gifu Swoops
- Kagawa Five Arrows
- Kagoshima Rebnise
- Kanazawa Samuraiz
- Saitama Broncos
- Shiga Lakes
- Shinagawa City Basketball Club
- Shonan United BC
- Tachikawa Dice
- Tokushima Gambarous
- Tokyo Hachioji Bee Trains
- Tokyo United Basketball Club
- Toyoda Gosei Scorpions
- Tryhoop Okayama
- Veertien Mie Basketball
- Yamaguchi Patriots
- Yokohama Excellence