“I think he was the MVP of that match yesterday.”
The FIBA Asia Cup has been held in Indonesia since mid-July. Japan defeated Kazakhstan in the first match to make a white star start, but Yuta Watanabe looked back on the match at the place where the interview was held at dawn.
“He” is Yuki Kawamura (Yokohama B-Corsairs) who made his debut as a representative of A this year. This game was a bench start. The newcomer contributed to the victory by scoring 8 points and 8 assists.
21-year-old Yuki Kawamura who showed a presence in the Asian Cup
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No, the impact of “contributing to victory” is not fully conveyed. In this match against Kazakhstan, Japan finished the first half with a 3-point behind, as the defense did not work and they scored 48 points against the opponent.
However, it was Kawamura who scored two consecutive goals from Steele at the end of the third quarter from a fierce defense while sticking to the opponent player. After that, Japan gained momentum at a stretch, and the struggle in the first half widened the point difference like a lie, and won a big victory with 100-68.
Tom Hovasse HC also seemed to take off his hat after the 21-year-old’s vibrant play.
“The pressure on the ball in Kawamura’s defense was great. The opponent couldn’t carry the ball at all, breaking the rhythm of the offense. Watanabe and experienced players also saw the young player’s basketball. I think I’m motivated. “(Hovasse HC)
After that, Japan lost to Australia in the quarterfinals and finished in the final eight. However, it was a meaningful tournament where the growth and activities of young people such as Kawamura and Keisei Tominaga (Nebraska Univ.) Were outstanding.
Among them, there is no doubt that Kawamura’s success will spur the future battle for point guards. With the World Cup coming up next year and the Paris Olympics the following year, the highlights are Kawamura and Yuki Togashi (Chiba Jets)’s “Two Yuki”.
