Fukuoka’s professional basketball team, “Rizing Fukuoka,” debuts this month with Head Coach and former NBA player John Neumann at the helm. Neumann’s coaching career began in Germany and was followed by posts in Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Isreal, Kuwait, Lebanon as well as in the American minor-league. Joining Neumann are three Americans players (Michael Gardiner, Joshua Peppers and Jeffrey Price) one African (Ndongo N’diaye), and trainer Jeff Anderson. Neumann likes a fast game with an aggressive defence. “My goal is to make the other team’s coach think and react.” Regarding his Japanese players, he says they’re all quick players and good shooters, so watch out for lots of three-pointers. “Fans can really influence a game; their support could mean an extra 10 points, so I hope Fukuokans will come out and make some noise”. More info: www.rizing-fukuoka.com
Hometown: Illinois, USA
In Japan: 2 months
Identity: Head Coach, Rizing Fukuoka, BJ League
Originally published in Fukuoka Now magazine (fn107, Nov. 2007)
