Announcement of Norio Sassa's Appointment as Associate Head Coach
Key facts
- Announcement of Norio Sassa's Appointment as Associate Head Coach
- SeaHorses Mikawa has announced the appointment of Norio Sassa as Associate Head Coach for the 2026-27 season. Sassa has a long and distinguished career as a coach in basketball, with extensive experience coaching the Japanese national team. He is expected to contribute to the team's challenge for the B.League championship.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 12, 2026
Direct answer
SeaHorses Mikawa has announced the appointment of Norio Sassa as Associate Head Coach for the 2026-27 season. Sassa has a long and distinguished career as a coach in basketball, with extensive experience coaching the Japanese national team. He is expected to contribute to the team's challenge for the B.League championship.
- Citation
- Announcement of Norio Sassa's Appointment as Associate Head Coach (June 12, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 12, 2026
SeaHorses Mikawa has announced the appointment of Norio Sassa as Associate Head Coach for the 2026-27 season. Sassa has a long and distinguished career as a coach in basketball, with extensive experience coaching the Japanese national team. He is expected to contribute to the team's challenge for the B.League championship.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 23:10
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 14:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:51 (2h 30m after Collected)
We are pleased to announce that Norio Sassa has been appointed as Associate Head Coach for the 2026-27 season.
Norio Sassa
◆Date of Birth: May 13, 1984
◆Hometown: Tokyo
◆Alma Mater: Tokai University
◆Career
・2009-12 Assistant Coach, Hitachi SunRockers
・2013-16 Assistant Coach, Link Tochigi Brex
・2017-19 Head Coach, Ryukyu Golden Kings
・2020 Support Coach, Utsunomiya Brex
・2020-22 Assistant Coach, Utsunomiya Brex
・2022-24 Head Coach, Utsunomiya Brex
・2024-26 Associate Head Coach, Ryukyu Golden Kings
・2026- Associate Head Coach, SeaHorses Mikawa
Japan National Team Coaching Experience
2009 25th Summer Universiade
2013 27th Summer Universiade
2014 5th FIBA ASIA Cup, 36th William Jones Cup, 17th Asian Games
2015 37th William Jones Cup, 28th FIBA ASIA Men's Basketball Championship
2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, 38th William Jones Cup, 2016 FIBA ASIA Challenge
2017 East Asia Basketball Championship 2017
2021 FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers Window 1
2022 FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers Window 2
2022 FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers Window 3
2022 FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers Window 4
2023 FIBA World Cup 2023
2024 FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 1, Olympic Games (2024/Paris)
2024 FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 2
2025 FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 3
2025 FIBA Asia Cup 2025
2025 FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Window 1
2026 FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Window 2
Comments
Hello, SeaHorses Mikawa fans! Or rather, it's been a while!
During the intense playoff battles last month, I felt the threat of your passionate "Ao-en" (blue cheers) as an away team.
However, I am very much looking forward to fighting alongside you all as a member of SeaHorses Mikawa starting this season.
I have always felt the strength of SeaHorses Mikawa firsthand since the JBL era.
Furthermore, I have seen how hard Ryan has worked over the past few years to build this wonderful team.
With the history that SeaHorses Mikawa has built deeply ingrained in my heart, I want to challenge for the B.League trophy, which SeaHorses Mikawa has not yet achieved on the B.Premier stage, with all my soul.
I've also reached my 40s, but please continue to call me Norio here at SeaHorses Mikawa.
Please also look forward to the combination of Tatsuwo and Norio. (I'm thinking this up on my own.)
FAQ
When will Norio Sassa become a coach for SeaHorses Mikawa?
He will be appointed as Associate Head Coach starting from the 2026-27 season, indicating a long-term strategic plan.
What are Norio Sassa's main past achievements?
He has extensive experience as an assistant and head coach for multiple B.League teams, as well as coaching the Japanese national team.
What is the purpose of this personnel announcement?
It is a significant step to strengthen the team's coaching staff and aim for a B.League championship.
What is his message to the SeaHorses Mikawa fans?
He stated that he wants to fight together as a team member, leveraging the fans' support, and contribute to winning the B.League trophy.
How will Sassa's addition change the team?
His experienced leadership is expected to improve team tactics and player development, enhancing their competitiveness for the championship.