With the basketball season just around the corner, many players who played their high school or college basketball in Utah are starting to make decisions on where they will play for the upcoming year.

Former BYU big man Trent Plaisted is one who will return to a familiar country where he will join a new team. After a strong end to the season with Alvark in Tokyo, he will return to Japan to suit up for Osaka Evessa.

The decision to go back to Japan was an easy one for him and his family.

“Well we loved it there,” said Plaisted. “After the disaster of Hagen and the bankruptcy stuff, Japan was almost the exact opposite of an experience. Then this Osaka team gave me an offer that was too good to pass up.”

While returning to Japan was an easy decision, changing teams was not.

“I was torn about going to Osaka, but Tokyo ended up bringing in a new coach and got rid of the guy I loved, so it sort of made it an easier call,” said Plaisted. “Especially because my old coach gave the coach of Osaka a big endorsement, and said he’s a great guy.”

Plaisted will head to Japan in the middle of August to prepare for the season that starts in late September.

Other signings

BYU

Brandon Davies, Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

After a strong season for one of the top teams in France, Davies has signed a deal to play for the defending Lithuanian League champion.

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