For the past three years, Yudai Baba, who has been playing in leagues in the United States and Australia with the aim of entering the NBA, has participated in the activities of the Japanese national team for the FIBA World Cup Asian Regional Qualifier Window 4.
Baba, who has experienced the 2019 World Cup finals and the Tokyo Olympics last summer, has worn the Hinomaru for the first time under the Tom Horvath HC (head coach) system.
The 195 cm shooting guard averaged 19.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in a total of 4 games, 2 warm-up games against Iran held in Sendai in mid-August and 2 games in Window 4. showed performance.
Although there was some difficulty in adapting to the basketball style adopted by the commander and understanding the role that was required of him, overall, it was a good performance. rice field.
Yudai Baba who played for Horvath Japan for the first time
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In the offense of the Japanese national team, HC Horvath has introduced a “five-out” tactic in which all five players on the court are placed on the outside and 3P shots are frequently used.
Among them, Horvath HC is asking Baba, who is originally good at driving, to hit more 3Ps. However, Baba said, “It’s not easy to change the style you’ve been doing for 20 years.” When he receives a pass, he naturally makes a driving move.
However, it doesn’t seem to be the case that just hitting 3P is enough. It is natural that he drives at the timing when he should hit a 3P and is told by Horvath HC, “Hit that now.”
The instruction to “hit more 3P” is also the “parental affection” of Horvath HC to Baba aiming for the NBA. Before the warm-up game against Iran, HC Horvath said that he is changing Baba’s mindset, such as driving with 3P instead of 3P with drive.
