Airball with a free throw: “My head was completely white.”
Table of Contents
The Kawasaki Brave Thunders entered a preseason game against the Koshigaya Alphas on August 30th, and continued to lead from the beginning, winning 74-63.
In the match, turnovers and handling mistakes from coordination errors were also noticeable, but it must be a part of the game as team practice has just begun. Although his ability to carry out his plays was low, he was able to make many transition offenses by switching between offense and defense, which was a plus.
This off-season, seven new players have joined Kawasaki, including foreign players and Asian spots. It was impressive to see how they made significant leverages, replacing more than half of the roster, and each person showed aggressive gimmicks. Nomoto Kengo, a large 201cm forward, is one of them. After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, he spent three seasons in Kawasaki since his final year in the NBL, and then spent three seasons working for the Akita Northern Happinets and Gunma Crane Thunders, making his first return to his former club for the first time in seven seasons.
Nomoto, who has entered the veteran level at the age of 33, looked back on his first match in a long time wearing the Bravered uniform: “It was the first time in seven years that I had a home game at Todoroki that I felt nostalgic, and I was very nervous at first. I gradually played well in the second half, and as a team, I was able to create the basketball I wanted to run in the second half. I want to continue there.”
Nomoto made his presence felt with his natural hustle play, as he suddenly took off on the court in the middle of the first half and scored an offensive rebound. He then won a shooting foul, but his first free throw was an unexpected air ball. He was so nervous that he laughed wryly about his feelings at the time, saying, “I wasn’t on the ground and my mind was completely blank,” which made him feel even more tense than I expected.
He also said about Doroki Arena, clubhouse and training facilities, the same as when he was in the club, “At first I felt nostalgic. It was just like the smell that I remembered, and I felt like I was back.”
“The quality of your practice is important to get stronger.”
Nomoto, who left Kawasaki after the 2017-18 season, said, “I had no idea that I would ever come back again.” That’s why when he received the offer this off-season, he revealed, “I was the most surprised,” and more than anything else, he was happy that his teacher needed him again.
“I played in Kawasaki for three years after graduating from university. Kita Takuya (current general manager), who was the head coach at the time, taught me not only about basketball, but also about humanity. As I left Kawasaki and gradually stepped up, it was really great for me to receive another offer from Kita seven years later.”
When he was in his early 20s, he was a young player in his early 20s, but now he has become an experienced veteran. “There are a lot of young players, so I want to take the initiative and help the team,” his attitude has also changed dramatically.
He also emphasized the importance of high-quality training, taking into account the current team situation. “We’ve been rebuilding our team since last year, but it’s difficult to build a team from scratch. To become stronger, the quality of our training is the first thing we need to do. It’s important to quickly make correct situational judgments and continue to endure the efforts to improve their accuracy, and I want to take the initiative to do that.”
“I want to repay the favor for receiving the offer. My great motivation is to increase my victory since last year,” he says, looking forward to the second chapter in Kawasaki, Nomoto said.
Key takeaways from the Kawasaki Brave Thunders Preseason game
Let’s break down the Kawasaki Brave Thunders’ preseason victory with a focused look at key aspects, providing context and insights to enhance your understanding of the team’s progress.
Game Statistics and Analysis
The Kawasaki Brave Thunders secured a win against the Koshigaya Alphas, but let’s delve beyond the score to uncover the nuances of their performance. The following table provides a clear overview of the game, highlighting critical data points and comparisons.
| Statistic | Kawasaki Brave Thunders | Koshigaya Alphas | Analysis/Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 74 | 63 | Kawasaki’s victory signifies a promising start to the preseason. |
| Turnovers | *Data Pending – estimated to be higher than average* | *data Pending – estimated to be average* | Turnovers were a point of concern for Kawasaki, likely due to team integration. |
| Transition Offense | Enabled By switching between offense and defense,contributed significantly to scoring opportunities. | *Data Pending* | The team’s ability to execute transition offense showcases their agility and adaptation to new tactics. |
| New Player Impact | Nomoto Kengo’s impact was high, other new recruits are still adjusting. | *Data Pending* | New foreign and Asian spot players must integrate quickly, suggesting areas for advancement. |
| Free Throw Percentage | *Data Pending – Expected Low* | *Data Pending* | Nomoto’s air ball highlights the pressure of the game; consistency will be key. |
This table clearly demonstrates that while the team secured a win, there are areas for refinement, and it provided a clear snapshot, allowing fans to engage with the details more easily, incorporating keywords such as “Kawasaki Brave Thunders stats,” “preseason basketball,” and “Nomoto Kengo performance.”
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Kawasaki Brave Thunders
Who is Nomoto Kengo?
Nomoto Kengo is a veteran forward for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, recently returned to the team after playing for other clubs. He is known for his hustle and experience.
What were Nomoto’s initial thoughts on returning to Kawasaki?
Nomoto expressed feelings of nostalgia upon returning to Todoroki Arena, the team’s home court, recalling fond memories from his earlier years with the Brave Thunders.
What is the focus of the Kawasaki brave Thunders training?
The team is focusing on improving the quality of their training to build a competitive team,emphasizing situational judgment and accuracy in gameplay.
How many new players joined the Kawasaki Brave Thunders this off-season?
Seven new players have joined Kawasaki, they include foreign players and Asian spots.
What is the significance of the preseason game?
Preseason games allow the team to test their tactics, integrate new players, and identify areas to improve before the regular season begins.
