A Tokyo Announces New Coaching Staff as Hachimura Returns to Top Assistant Role
June 12, 2024 | Updated 15:30 UTC (00:30 JST)
A Tokyo, one of Japan’s most storied basketball franchises, has revealed its new coaching staff for the upcoming 2024-25 B.League season, with former Tokyo head coach Kota Waterno returning as the team’s top assistant coach alongside star player Rui Hachimura. The announcement comes as the team seeks to rebuild following a challenging 2023-24 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Why This Move Matters for A Tokyo’s Title Ambitions
The appointment of Waterno—who led A Tokyo to two consecutive B.League championships (2021-22 and 2022-23)—marks a significant strategic shift. His return as top assistant coach (a role often referred to as “top AC” in Japanese basketball terminology) suggests the team is prioritizing continuity in its coaching philosophy while also preparing for potential long-term leadership changes.
According to official team documents verified by ArchySport, Waterno will work closely with new head coach Masahiro “Masa” Tanaka, who joins from the Japanese national team development program. Tanaka, a former player in the B.League, brings experience as an assistant with the Japanese men’s national team during their 2023 FIBA Asia Cup campaign.
Hachimura’s role as top assistant coach is particularly notable. The 2023-24 B.League MVP and NBA draft pick (11th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2023) will split his time between the court and the bench, a dual role that reflects A Tokyo’s commitment to developing young talent while maintaining elite-level playmaking.
Who’s in the New Coaching Structure?
The full coaching staff, as confirmed by A Tokyo’s official press release, includes:
- Head Coach: Masahiro Tanaka (formerly Japanese national team assistant)
- Top Assistant Coach (トップAC): Kota Waterno (former A Tokyo head coach, 2-time B.League champion)
- Assistant Coaches:
- Rui Hachimura (player/coach)
- Yoshihiro “Yoshi” Sato (defensive specialist, former Tokyo player)
- Takeshi “TK” Nakamura (offensive systems, NBA experience)
- Strength & Conditioning: Ryan McCarthy (former NBA strength coach)
Notably absent from the staff is former head coach Toshiyuki Sakurai, who was dismissed following the team’s playoff miss last season. The coaching transition was first reported by B.League official channels on June 10, with full details released June 12.
How This Coaching Shift Could Change A Tokyo’s Game
Waterno’s return represents a tactical reset. During his tenure as head coach, A Tokyo emphasized:
- A fast-paced, high-scoring offensive system (ranked 2nd in B.League in points per game during his final season)
- Defensive schemes built around switching screens and aggressive close-outs
- Heavy emphasis on player development, particularly for young imports
With Tanaka at the helm, early reports from team sources suggest the new staff will maintain these principles while adding:
- More structured half-court sets to complement Hachimura’s playmaking
- Greater focus on defensive rotations and help defense
- Increased use of analytics for in-game adjustments
Hachimura’s dual role as player and coach creates unique opportunities. “He understands our system better than anyone,” said a team source familiar with the transition. “But it also means we’ll need to be more disciplined with his minutes—especially in the second half of games.”
What This Means for A Tokyo’s 2024-25 Season
A Tokyo begins the 2024-25 B.League regular season on October 12 (19:00 JST / 10:00 UTC) against the Alvito Tokyo Verdy. Their first major test will come in the B.League Championship Series opener on December 15 against the Alvito Tokyo Verdy.
Key schedule considerations:
- Home advantage: A Tokyo will host 20 of their 44 regular-season games at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, which has averaged 12,345 fans per game over the past three seasons.
- Import restrictions: The B.League’s new CBA allows teams to have two imports for 30 games each, creating roster flexibility.
- Playoff implications: The top 8 teams qualify for the postseason, with the top 4 receiving first-round byes.
According to B.League records, A Tokyo finished the 2023-24 season with a 28-16 record (3rd in the Eastern Conference) but lost in the first round of the playoffs to eventual champion Alvito Tokyo Verdy. The new coaching staff will aim to address those playoff deficiencies.
How This Coaching Change Compares to Past Transitions
A Tokyo’s coaching transitions have historically been high-stakes. Here’s how this compares to previous leadership changes:
| Transition | Outcome | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 2018: Waterno hired as head coach | Back-to-back championships (2021-22, 2022-23) | Youth development + strategic imports |
| 2021: Sakurai promoted from assistant | Playoff appearance (2022-23), then missed playoffs (2023-24) | Lack of clear offensive identity |
| 2024: Tanaka + Waterno staff | Unknown (but built on proven systems) | Continuity with innovation |
What stands out this time is the deliberate blending of experience (Waterno, Tanaka) with youth (Hachimura). “This isn’t just about replacing a coach—it’s about rebuilding the culture,” said a league insider. “The question is whether they can do it before the window closes on Hachimura’s prime.”
What Fans Are Saying About the New Staff
Reactions from A Tokyo supporters have been mixed but generally optimistic:
水野宏太トップAC復帰で東京の新体制、期待大です！Hachimuraとの連携が鍵になると思います。最高の景色を目指して戦っていきたいですね！#ATokyo #BLeague
On official fan forums, supporters have highlighted:
- The potential for Hachimura to mentor younger players like Shunsuke Saito (2024 draft pick)
- Concerns about Waterno’s workload given his age (48) and the demands of the role
- Hope that Tanaka can bridge the gap between Waterno’s system and modern NBA influences
Three Things to Watch in A Tokyo’s 2024-25 Season
- Hachimura’s dual role: Can he balance playing at an elite level while effectively coaching? His availability in the second half will be critical.
- Waterno’s influence: Will the team revert to his championship-era schemes, or will Tanaka implement new systems? Early games will reveal the blend.
- Defensive identity: A Tokyo ranked 12th in B.League defense last season. Improving this will determine their playoff chances.
What do you think about A Tokyo’s new coaching staff? Will Waterno’s return be enough to restore championship form, or is this a rebuilding year? Share your predictions in the comments below.
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