Of course, both men grabbed that impressive second title in the aforementioned years before moving on to the next challenge.
Nakamura resurfaced in Tohoku as bench boss for his hometown Akita Northern Happinets after leading the Phoenix to back-to-back titles. This will be his final coaching destination, he insists. He plans to run the team until he's 75 -- maybe 80 if he remains as energetic as he has in recent years.
Oketani also landed on his feet in Tohoku, bringing instant credibility and title-contending credentials to the Iwate Big Bulls in their second season.
A week ago, Reggie Geary guided the Yokohama B-Corsairs to the franchise's first championship, which came in its second season. A big deal, indeed.
Will Geary return to the B-Corsairs?
Will the team give him an offer he can't refuse?
Will someone else - in the college or pro ranks -- do that?
We shall see.