Kyoto Hannaryz Debut Game vs. Shiga Lakestars 2009.10.03
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A long line outside Kyoto City Gymnasium on Oct. 3, 2009 before noon when gates opened for the Kyoto Hannaryz debut game in the bj-league.
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Basketball fans entering Kyoto City Gymnasium. The Hannaryz is the thirteenth and newest franchise in the bj-league pro basketball league in Japan.
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Inside the lobby of the gym are cutouts of the Hannaryz players.
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The name "Hannaryz" refers to the well-known word "hannari" (はんなり or 花なり) which in the Kyoto dialect means classy or distinguished-looking as well as cheery, bright, and colorful.
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Soon after we entered the gym, they started introducing the players.
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Hannaryz mascot named "Chin-tiger" (baby tiger).
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Chin-tiger shoots but misses.
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For their debut game, the Hannaryz played against the Shiga Lakestars. Being close neighbors, the Lakestars and the Hannaryz are destined to be eternal rivals and friends at the same time. There are more games scheduled between Shiga and Kyoto.Being close neighbors, the Lakestars and the Hannaryz are destined to be eternal rivals and friends at the same time. There are more games scheduled between Shiga and Kyoto.
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The Hannaryz booster club is called Fannaryz, promoted here by TV idol Yasuda Misako who is from Kyoto.
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Kyoto Hannaryz
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bj-league commissioner Kawachi Toshimitsu gives a few words to open the game.
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Wearing an autographed Hannaryz T-shirt, the mayor of Kyoto city also speaks.
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Pregame entertainment by the Hannaryz cheerleaders.
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Introduction of Lakestars players. Joho Masashi.
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Luke Zellar.
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Introduction of Hannaryz players.
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Introduction of Hannaryz head coach David Benoit (pronounced ""Benwa").
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Both teams start practicing on court.
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Hannaryz practicing.
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Lakestars practicing.
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First the cheerleaders wore these black T-shirts and red, harem-style pants. At first, I thought they were hula dancers.
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Upon the introduction of Lakestars players, each one greeted opposing head coach David Benoit. This is Luke Zellar.
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Introduction of starting five for Hannaryz.
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2009-2010 season opening game and Kyoto Hannaryz debut game tip-off at 2 pm on Oct. 3, 2009 at Kyoto City Gymnasium in front of 1,888 spectators.
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Kyoto Hannaryz debut game tip-off.
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Super tall Reda Rhalimi #55 with the ball as the Lakestars put up a great defense.
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Bobby Nash passing in front of 40-year-old Mahmould Abdul-Rauf.
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Josh Bostic going up against many men in white.
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No stepping back for Gary Hamilton #2.
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Hannaryz takes an early lead within the first five minutes of the game.
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Joho Masashi runs down the court.
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See all players on both teams.
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Bobby Nash #33 goes for 3 points.
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Shiga Lakestars Gary Hamilton #2
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Shiga Lakestars boosters booing a Hannaryz free throw.
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Good number of Shiga Lakestars boosters. It's easy for them see away games in Kyoto. It's easy for Kyoto fans to see away games in Shiga too.
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Lakestars captain Fujiwara Takamichi #11.
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Iwasa Jun #5 is covered.
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Chris Schlatter #4
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Gary Hamilton
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Hannaryz scores.
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An almost-full Kyoto City Gymnasium in Nishi-Kyogoku Sports Park near Nishi-Kyogoku Station on the Hankyu Line.
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During a break, the cheerleaders got out a giant slingshot to shoot a prize into the crowd.
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Hannaryz mascot and cheerleaders. Dig those zori slippers they are wearing. No cartwheels in those things.
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Man-to-man defense.
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Ogawa Shinya #5 and Takushi Naoto #1, Hannaryz captain.
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Joho Masashi #31 and Iwasa Jun #5 were former teammates with Tokyo Apache.
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Shinya takes the ball.
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Hannaryz head coach David Benoit calmly looks on as his team trails the Lakestars.
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Kawabe Taizo #11
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Reda Rhalimi really stands out.
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Mike Hall #23
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Lakestars wear a white uniform for away games. I still disagree with having a sponsor's name printed on the uniform more prominently than the Shiga Lakestars name which appears as a small logo.
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Luke Zellar #40 passing to Ogawa.
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Again, Gary's back is covered.
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Ogawa goes for a jump shot.
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Bobby Nash passes the ball.
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Kojima Yuta #3 passes to Ogawa.
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Josh Bostic
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Setoyama Kyosuke #34 on the run.
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Team huddle
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Hannaryz huddle
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Luke Zellar #40
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Joho looking for an opportunity.
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Lakestars lead 37-28 at halftime.
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Halftime entertainment by Hannaryz cheerleaders.
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Wara
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Wara going it for it, but is fouled instead.
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Fujiwara Takamichi for a free throw.
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The first of many shots of Chris Schlatter sinking in a ball.
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Free throw by Bostic.
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Reda
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All eyes on the ball.
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Going for it.
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An easy one by Mike Hall #23
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Happy high fives with the Lakestars as they start to smell victory.
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Lakestars boosters were a loud bunch.
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Lakes still leading in the 3rd period.
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Looks like the cheerleader uniforms can be called "hannari." Although I prefer shorts or skirts on cheerleaders.
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Josh and Chris
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Abdul-Rauf don't look 40.
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Mike Hall and Lakestars head coach Robert Pierce.
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Bobby Nash #33 goes for 3 points.
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Iwasa Jun is easy to spot with his skin head.
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Hannaryz cheerleaders occupy timeouts.
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Lakestars boosters.
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Tip-off
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Iwasa Jun wants the ball from Fujiwara.
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Bob Pierce
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Chris sinks in another one.
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It went in.
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Lakestars still lead at the end the 3rd period.
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Another slingshot.
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Chris taking the ball.
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Chris scoring another 2 points.
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Luke trying to block.
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Jun and Wara again.
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Joho trying to get away.
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Another successful layup by Chris.
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Joho makes many dramatic moves. I’ve seen him play a few times with the Tokyo Apache and he was a valuable and popular player there too. He was traded to Shiga at the last minute.
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Josh
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Two team captains at each other.
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Mike Hall
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Reda scores
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Mike Hall gets a Halloween face from John Clifford #44.
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Reda
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Joho was the Lakestars' crowd favorite. They were shouting his name (JOHO! JOHO!) a few times, even after the game ended.
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Final score: Hannaryz 73, Lakestars 82. I can sympathize with Kyoto losing its debut game in the bj-league. The Lakestars also lost its debut game a year ago.
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Victory huddle
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Lakestars bowing to the crowd.
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Hannaryz
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David Benoit congratulates the Lakestars for their win. However, he got his revenge the next day when the Hannaryz beat the Lakestars 85-81.
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The Lakestars shake hands with fans as they leave the court.
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