The upcoming Basketball Japan League (bj-league) Final Four will pit Akita vs. Iwate in the East final and Hamamatsu vs. Shiga in the West final, followed by the title game and third-place tilt.

From The Japan Times archives, here are several in-depth interviews with players and coaches from those teams.

EAST

Iwate – Scootie Randall (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/12/01/basketball/bj-league/iwates-randall-stays-focused-winning/)

Iwate – Jun Nakanishi (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2010/11/28/basketball/bj-league/nakanishi-draws-on-vast-experience-to-help-rizing/)

Iwate – Tsubasa Yonamine (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2007/12/16/basketball/bj-league/confidence-helps-yonamine-elevate-game-for-heatdevils/)

WEST

Shiga – Terrance Woodbury (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/01/27/basketball/bj-league/shigas-woodbury-embraces-pursuit-excellence/#.VVFvV47tmkp)

Shiga – head coach Koto Toyama (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2010/10/01/basketball/bj-league/rookie-coach-toyama-confident-first-time-out/

Shiga – Chris Holm (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2009/03/22/basketball/bj-league/holm-on-the-rebound-with-sendai-after-tough-year/)

Shiga – Yu Okada (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/12/24/basketball/bj-league/five-arrows-standout-okada-expands-role-on-offense/

Hamamatsu – Nile Murry (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2007/02/11/basketball/bj-league/murry-relishing-shot-at-pro-ball/)