Whitea, who is based in Hokkaido and has been active at the forefront of freestyle basketball for many years, appeared at the adidas Basketball “ANTHONY EDWARDS 2 (AE2)” special event.
They mesmerized the venue with their brilliant skills and unique expressions on a unique 1on1 challenge stage using rings of three different heights.
“It’s a new rule for me: a low ring is worth 1 point, a normal one is worth 2 points, and a high ring is worth 3 points.It was my first experience as well, but it’s exciting to have a “playful” device like this.”and Whitea. As he said, his play was full of improvisation and playfulness.
He has been active since the dawn of the freestyle basketball scene, but in recent years he has expanded his activities mainly through his own YouTube channel.
“The scene itself has become a little smaller, but if I continue to spread the word, there will be opportunities for people to see it again. Hokkaido still lacks video and communication power, so I want to change that.”
After 10 years of experience as an exclusive contract bowler for the B League’s Levanga Hokkaido, he is now taking on the challenge of “creating a new basketball culture with his own hands.”
“I want to make basketball a place where each player’s individual skill is more valued.When I go to the gym, I think, “That person’s shot is amazing,” and I want to bring back that scene where individuality shines.”
With smartphones and SNS on their side, they broadcast their own play.
That’s Whitea’s “basketball update.”
After the event, I spoke to Whitea.
The theme is the current state of freestyle basketball and what he himself is currently facing.
–Honestly, how did you feel about today’s event?
“Honestly, this was my first time seeing a court with three rings. I thought it had a sense of playfulness, including the rule that the points are different for the lower ring, normal ring, and higher ring. I think they called me out as someone who can show off interesting plays like that.”
―― As a freestyle bowler, it was a very unique environment, wasn’t it?
“That’s true. But I’m the type of person who gets fired up in situations like that. It’s not a set style, it’s about how to show off on the spot. That’s what I think freestyle is originally about.”
— How do you view the freestyle basketball scene itself?
“To be honest, I think the scene is getting smaller. There are fewer places where freestyle basketball can be as exciting as it used to be, and it’s starting to lean more toward dance, so I feel like it’s moving away from basketball a little bit.”
“However, I’ve always been involved in basketball. I’ve been performing in the B League for 10 years, and that’s why I think the freestyle I show in the basketball field is so meaningful.”
―― Among these, dissemination on YouTube is also a big axis, isn’t it?
“To be honest, I never thought YouTube would grow this far. But when the scene started to get smaller, I thought, ‘If someone doesn’t speak up, this culture will end.'”
“Then I decided to play it myself. Not just freestyle, but streetball as well. I wanted to convey to people that “this is where you can find interesting basketball.”
―― Does that have something to do with why you are based in Hokkaido?
“It’s very connected. There aren’t many events in Hokkaido, and the communication power is still weak. However, I’ve been involved with Levanga Hokkaido for 10 years, and I’ve seen it from the inside, so I think there are things that can be changed.”
“Before I knew it, the number of registered players exceeded the team’s official numbers.It’s not about winning or losing, but I think it proves that even individuals can achieve this much.”
–What do you think is the ideal future for basketball?
“Basketball is a game where each individual’s individual skill is valued more.Nowadays, the correct answer tends to be “someone who can do it all,” but in the past, when you went to the gymnasium, there would be people who would say, “That guy’s play is amazing.”
“I only played basketball until junior high school, but I’ve still honed my ability to be second to none. I want to create a scene where those people are once again in the spotlight.”
–Finally, please give a message to FLY readers.
“From Hokkaido, I’m aiming for Japan and then the world. My style may not be very popular in the current scene, but I think that’s why there’s a meaning in continuing to do it.”
“Basketball should be more free. Let’s create a culture where each person can do their own thing and enjoy it more.To that end, I will continue to move forward with my current style.”
- “Updating basketball from Hokkaido” Whitea talks about the current state of freestyle basketball
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TEXT by Rintaro Akimoto
