Sport & Design Blog: live from Tokyo, Japan!
Basketball without Borders: ASIA TOUR
July 28 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Earlier this month, Basketball without Borders completed its first-ever Southeast Asian event with NBA players Trevor Ariza, Kyle Korver, Al Horford and others visiting Singapore for clinics and games to help Asian youth basketball player development. The BWB activities are co-organized by FIBA and the NBA Players Association, with additional sponsorship from local businesses, apparel brands, etc.
As reported on FIBA’s site:
“The top 50 players from 22 countries across Asia - as selected by FIBA and participating federations - will come together to train under NBA and FIBA players and coaches and compete against their peers.
"It is a great pleasure to visit Singapore for the first time," said Patrick Bauman, Secretary General, FIBA and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). "The interest in sports - particularly basketball - is growing rapidly over there and we are confident that through Basketball without Borders we can help further that growth, thereby allowing young basketball talents to maximise their potential both on and off the court."
We’ve already approached some FIBA representatives about the possibility of bringing a Basketball without Borders event to Japan, and the question is not as simple as it may seem. Generally, it would take a huge effort by Japanese basketball officials, media and local grassroots organizations to rally the kind of interest FIBA needs to bring the BWB here. So with that, we’ll just keep working on it from our end, and do whatever we can to make it happen... One exciting note for J-hoops at this year’s event: Japan had two youth basketball players make the trip to BWB Singapore. Hopefully they are bringing back some great stories which they can share with friends and teammates. We know from our Rising Suns trip to Paris, these opportunities help grow our ‘collective hoop dream’. Keep growing, keep rising!
If you’re interested, check out the complete 2010 FIBA/NBA BWB Asia Camp Roster:
Coaches: Trevor Ariza (Rockets), Corey Brewer (Timberwolves), Francisco Garcia (Kings), Al Horford (Hawks), Taj Gibson (Bulls), Gene Keady, Bob McAdoo, Don Newman, Joe Wolf, Gregg Farnam, Dean Cooper
Australia — Corey Maynard, Tom Daly, Chris Patton, Josh Wilcher, Jan Warbout
China — Tao Hanlin, Wang Yingliang, Zhang Dayu, Cao Fei, Xiaokelaiti Azati
Chinese Taipei — Hung Kang-Chiao, Chen Ying-Chun
India — Somvir Somvir, Sunny Raut, Satnam Singh
Indonesia — Dewah Wiratno
Iran — Amir Sedighi, Arman Zangeneh, Ghahraman Omari, Meisam Mirzaei Talarposhti, Farshad Kharazmi
Japan — Yuya Nagayoshi, Tenketsu Harimoto
Jordan — Ahmad Dwairi, Ahmed Nofal
Kazakhstan — Dmitriy Tsoy, Shaim Kuanov, Vadim Chsherbak
Korea — Kim Jihoo, Bae Sooyone, Kim Nakhyeon, Lee Juhyeong
Kyrgyzstan — Alexsandr Adeikin, Evgenii Pekhov
Lebanon — Constantin Kodsi, Karam Mechref
New Zealand — Jordan Ngatai, Christopher Duthie
Philippines — Mario Emmanuel Bonleon, Gian Carlo Go
Qatar — Abduallah Shaher Matalkeh
Singapore — Fong Jia Jun, Ng Zhao Feng, Larry Liew
Turkmenistan — Muradberdy Bazarbayev
UAE — Omer Khalid Faqqas Omar Al Ameri, Qais Omar Al Shabebi
Uzbekistan — Denis Timofeev
Vietnam — Le Dat
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Rising Suns in the News: Japan Times
July 23 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Here’s an excerpt from ‘Hoops Scoop’ writer Ed Odeven’s story about basketball player development in the Japan Times today...thanks, Ed! (And don’t be confused by the title of the article...we’re just spreading love for the game. Hope 81 has no religious mission, affiliations, etc.)
Friday, July 23, 2010
BJ-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Players spread gospel in summertime
By ED ODEVEN
Staff writer
...Overseas basketball trips are another aspect of a sport with no true off-season. Darin Satoshi Maki, formerly of the Tokyo Apache and Oita HeatDevils, stayed busy last month while suiting up for the Rising Suns, a streetball team organized by Hope 81, a nonprofit grassroots organization involved in "basketball development, global poverty relief and environmental sustainability," according to its Web site.
The capable floor leader, one of the top defensive guards in the five-year history of the bj-league, played for the Rising Suns in the Quai 54 streetball tournament in Paris.
"Maki was definitely attracting a lot of attention during our trip to Paris, knocking down shot after shot in the 3-point point shootout — finishing just one point away from the finals — then called on to help Quai 54 Dunk Contest Champion Guy Dupuy for his final dunk attempt, and being selected as a featured interview for the official Quai 54 DVD," said Jason Hutson, an American expatriate who serves as a Rising Suns player, coach and organizer. "I think this experience helped him gain some visibility, especially outside Japan."
Hutson also believes Maki, a free agent, would be a welcome addition for a bj-league club in the immediate future.
"As a top point guard in Asia over the past 10 years in China, Japan and Vietnam, the 'Tru Ninja' definitely has a lot to offer teams in the bj-league, especially those looking for veteran leadership and someone who can control the ball, set the tempo, etc.," said Hutson. "He's a 'Derek Fisher' kind of player, someone who doesn't turn the ball over and can knock down clutch shots.
"Now after Paris, the challenge is to make sure people know about his efforts (for us in Paris) here in Japan. . ."
The Rising Suns' 2010 squad also featured center Antoine Broxsie, who led the bj-league in blocked shots last season while playing for the Takamatsu Five Arrows, and Apache forward Kenji Hilke.
Check out the complete article in the Japan Times. And follow Ed Odeven’s Hoop Scoop column, to keep up with all the latest news in the Japanese pro leagues.
New Quai 54 2010 Trailer: Jordan Outdoor Video
July 22 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Check out the new Quai 54 2010 video on Jordan Outdoor, with our guy Darin Maki a.k.a. Tru Ninja-- representing the Rising Suns 2010 squad!
A lot of the footage in the clip is shot by videographer/basketball film documentarist Kevin Couliau, who we got to know during our practice game with George Eddy in Paris. Thanks for all your hard work, and helping us get Japan on the basketball map!
RS2010: Game Day @ Quai 54!
July 12 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Legendary dunker Kadour Ziani (SLAM NATION/ZIANIMAL) backstage with Quai 54 staff
Finally, some footage from our Game Day at Palais de Tokyo, under the shadows of the Eiffel Tower. In this new video clip, check out some exclusive interviews with dunk/performance legend Kadour Ziani, French hoops star Ali Traorè, Chris Paul going one-on-one with a Quai 54 referee, 3-point shootout with Rising Suns’ Tru Ninja, and much more...
Big thanks to Hammadoun Sidibè and all his crew at Quai 54 for giving our Rising Suns this opportunity to get to know so many great superstars in the game of basketball. Hopefully with a taste of this top-level international basketball tournament (and soaking up the atmosphere from all of our ‘behind the scenes’ experiences as well), it will be the inspiration Japan needs to start rising up. The first step is obviously to get our first win at Quai 54. That day will come, no doubt. Still rising!
RS2010
ジェイソン
RS2010: More video from PAris!
July 05 2010 Filed in: Rising Suns | Hope 81
RS2010 Team Captain Shuji Takei aka ST, holding up his new Quai 54 jersey after orientation 6.25.2010
Here’s more behind-the-scenes video highlights of our recent trip to Paris, including some clips from our Team Dinner Party in St. Germain, practice with French hoops legend George Eddy, and the orientation session at Palais de Tokyo, where we received our shoes and jerseys-- the night before the tournament. Check out the video on our RS blog!
RS2010@QUAI 54: Full Recap
July 04 2010 Filed in: Rising Suns | Hope 81
The Rising Suns 2010 journey started about a year ago, all culminating with a one-week visit to the Quai 54 International Streetball Championships (June 21-29) in Paris, France. For our Rising Suns du Japon, the experience was awesome, challenging, difficult, heart-breaking, amazing, inspiring, and then some. Here’s a full recap of how it went down, with Rising Suns team organizer Jason Hutson’s inside views of the entire trip-- from start to finish:
Day 1: Travel to Paris
Still running around trying to get our funds in order, came up short on the fundraising and sponsorship-- not quite as bad as last year though... Anyways, looks like I will have to extend my credit limit and make sure we have enough money to survive the week. Running to the train station with 50lb bags and five minutes before my express train to Narita. Why am I always doing this?? I like the feeling of pressure situations, I guess. At the airport the team is all there waiting for me, and we fly out of gate 81. Hey, 81, that's us! Japan's country code and our organization-- Hope 81. Destiny for the Rising Suns du Japon! We have a stopover in Hong Kong, the team goes crazy when they see a Muji store... Last chance to buy Japanese snacks before we arrive in Paris.
Day 2: Welcome to Courbevoie
Yace meets us at the airport, and Antoine is with him already when he finds us. Big relief to see our 6'11" center there in Paris, ready to play. No missed flights, no lost baggage, everybody ready. Here we go! Ride in the Quai 54 van to our hotel in the north side of Paris called Courbevoie. It's right down the Seine river from the old Quai 54 court @ Levallois. Beautiful morning, we walk around the neighborhood, find a bakery and everybody buys some pan au chocolat. Antoine's excited about eating crepes while he's here.
Later, we walk along the river to Levallois court and try to get loose. Some of our guys play pickup. The pro guys don't want to play outdoors so they watch from the sidelines. One of our players leaves without letting me know first, which is frustrating since we don't get a chance to walk through our plays. We wrap things up and walk over to Yace's neighborhood in Genevilliers for kebab sandwiches and pizza for dinner on the patio. Play ball till 9:30pm, sunset dinner at 10:30pm, this is summer in Paris!
Day 3: Challenge Day
We have our first breakfast meeting, most of the players show up, talk about our week ahead, and try to see how the players are feeling. Jump on a bus and head to Stade Coubertin, a pro gym in Paris where we are supposed to have our first real practice run together. This is really key for us to start building our chemistry, especially since we couldn't go over our plays yesterday at Levallois...continue reading >>> permalink
RS2010: Behind the Scenes in PAris!
June 30 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Olyouri Video, filming our RS2010 player interviews on the hillside in front of Montmartre
Just getting back to Tokyo after some really incredible days in Paris with our Rising Suns 2010 team. Despite losing our first round matchup against Belgium, we tried to make the most of our trip. Lots of walking, walking, and more walking. Cafes, street corners, bread shops, bus rides, river views, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, Palais de Tokyo, Notre Dame, Louvre, and much much more. Sport can be an avenue for cultural exchange, and that’s exactly what our Rising Suns team entry @ Quai 54 is all about: building new connections/opportunities/communication/etc., through the game of basketball.
For a look at how our players spent their time off the court, check the new RS2010: Behind the Scenes in Paris video on our team blog.
ジェイソン
RS2010
Rising Suns du Japon vs. Belgium Duke All-Stars
June 27 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Earlier tonight, our Rising Suns du Japon lost against Belgium’s Duke All-Stars by the final score of 37-24. I don’t really have the energy to write very much at the moment, so I’ll let the pictures above tell the story. All I can say is that it’s been an incredible run -- bringing our Japanese players all the way back to Paris for another chance at Quai 54. We couldn’t have made the journey without our Hope 81 volunteer members and local community sponsors. Thank you to all who supported our dream. Yes, we are rising. We’ve got plenty of things to work on, as soon as we get back.
More videos and live updates from Paris coming soon...
(and yes, that is Chris Paul playing one-on-one against a 13-year old referee...the same kid who was in charge of the calls in our game...wow)
ジェイソン
RS2010
RS2010: Tru Ninja vs. George Eddy! (H-O-R-S-E)
June 26 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
One more update before the 8th edition of Quai 54 tomorrow, when our Rising Suns du Japon will hit the court vs. Belgium’s Duke All-Stars...
Today, as we were wrapping up our final Rising Suns team workout at a pro gym in Paris, RS2010 Point Guard Darin Maki a.k.a. Tru Ninja went up against European hoops legend/NBA commentator George Eddy (pictured above with our team, left) for a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E. Watch the video on our RS blog, and towards the end you’ll hear George admit “okay, this is getting serious!” And that’s something not even NBA champion point guard Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs could do when they played against each other a while back (actually Tony couldn’t get a single letter!). Eventually the King took all of our guys down, one-by-one. Not enough time to show every game on the video, but I’m sure you can imagine how it went. Now if I could just find a way to convince George to be an honorary coach for us tomorrow at Quai 54... It would be great to have his court savvy and old school knowledge of the game, to help us get that first win. Either way, thanks for challenging our guys and giving us a final tune-up before the tournament, George!
Rising, and believing in something bigger than ourselves.
ジェイソン
RS2010
RS2010 Journey to Quai 54: Levallois
June 24 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
RS2010 Journey to Quai 54 continues: first workout at legendary street court in Paris, Levallois
Any big dream starts at the bottom, and people make it rise. With heart and determination, those individuals do what they have to do to make the dream work. A perfect example is Hammadoun Sidibè and his Quai 54 organizers, who are now entering their 8th year of hosting this premier Jordan-brand event. They’ve been growing the dream bigger and bigger each year since the original days-- back at the court in Levallois. On our first day here in Paris, it was fitting that we hit the old Levallois court for our first walkthrough with the Rising Suns 2010 team (see the latest video on the RS blog). Then we got a special look at the new Quai 54 venue yesterday: Palais de Tokyo. Its an unbelievable spot along the Seine, and underneath the shadows of the Eiffel tower. You know we’ll be giving you some behind-the-scenes video of that ASAP.
Now about the team, it was our hope and our original plan by arriving in Paris early, that we would be able to settle in and focus on winning our first game this weekend. As the organizer, I’m working hard with our team coordinator Yace to get everyone mentally/physically prepared for our battle. Its not too surprising, we’ve hit a few roadblocks with our daily itinerary, lack of gym time for practice, etc. This is all part of the team-building process, I guess. Overcoming hardships and adversity together, and keeping the focus on our goal: Japan’s first win at Quai 54.
Rising, because we love this game (and because we have no choice!)
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RS2010
RS2010 Journey to Quai 54: LIVE UPDATE!
June 22 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Rising Suns 2010 have arrived! Happy to report ***LIVE from PARIS/Coubervoise/92: no lost baggage, no problems, everyone is here, healthy and ready to go... Now I’m going to update the Risingsuns.jp blog with as much live video from our experience as possible this week. Here’s part one, showing our transit across the globe-- from Narita to Hong Kong, into Charles de Gaulle this morning. So far so good. Love the breakfast here. Heading to play some ball at Quai 54’s original homecourt, Levallois, in a minute. Just a quick walk from our hotel, down the Seine River. Gotta love it!
Time to get loose,
ジェイソン
RS2010
Rising Suns, Represent Japan: DAY 21
June 21 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Hope 81 presents: RS2010 @ QUAI 54
Palais De Tokyo (Paris, France)
June 26-27
As we prepare to make our journey to the Quai 54 International Streetball Championships, I just had one more thing to do before heading off to Narita: a special email interview session with Reverse Magazine/basketsession.com. Here’s a look at part of the interview, and check the Basketsession homepage for the complete version coming soon! We will also try to have some live updates from Paris this week, on our Rising Suns team blog: www.risingsuns.jp
Rising Suns, Represent Japan! 日本代表
What reminisce you keep from your first trip at Quai 54 ?
Probably what I remember most about our first run at Quai 54 was the leadership from our team captain, Shuji Takei a.k.a. ST. He was great all throughout the months leading up to the tournament in Tokyo, pushing our guys and making sure we had some chemistry going into our trip to Paris. In our big first round matchup vs. Le Revele, it was ST, our team leader, who carried us right from the start. He showed so much heart and desire to win, and his 3-point shooting kept us in the game. I was excited (and honestly a little surprised) to see our Rising Suns were only down 19-15 at halftime, and maybe the fans were surprised too!? Even though we eventually got pounded in the second half (38-20), it was encouraging to see ST get the post-game interview. Representing Japan like that on the big stage at Quai 54...I think the image of ST during the post-game interview -- a Japanese baller standing up there and having the courage to speak to everyone in English -- that memory will stay with me forever. He really helped us make an impact. Now, I just hope we can get that interview on the winning side, this year.
You're coming back. Does it mean you loved it or is it to show another face ?
You know we loved the trip to Quai 54 last year. Its an epic event, and something only a few teams from around the world get the opportunity to experience. A once-in-a-lifetime chance for Japanese ballers. I always say to my team, this is our World Cup. This is our Olympics. This is the highest level of the game. And of course, we're coming back to try and win at least ONE game this year, so we want to bring a new look/new face with our Rising Suns 2010 squad as well. We spent the year rebuilding from ground zero, and now our team will have a great mix of veteran players/up-and-coming stars in Japan's street and pro game.
I heard you're coming with a surprise who is one of the top point guard in the country. Can you tell us more about that ?
Darin Maki a.k.a. Tru Ninja has been playing professional ball for the past 10 years in Asia, most recently in Japan's "BJ League" as captain/floor general of the Tokyo Apache and Oita Heat Devils. He was a key member with the Apache during their reign as Eastern Conference champs (2007-2009), under the coaching of Joe Bryant. At only 5'9", Maki has made a name for himself with his explosiveness (Adidas slam dunk champ in 2002/China), and solid leadership at the point (All-Japan Defense, First Team 07-08; Apache/Oita, Team Captain, 2006-2010). The Tru Ninja brings a reputation as a strong attacker, which I think the crowd might get into when they see a smaller guy breaking down his opponents with pure hard work and determination. I don't know anyone more determined than Darin. That's why he's going to be running the PG spot for the Rising Suns this year.
How prepared are you this year for this second appearance ? What are the main changes ?
We are much more prepared this year, compared with last year. First of all, we started getting ready for Quai 54 2010 immediately after returning home last summer. We put together a series of tryouts, recruiting trips around Japan, weekly training sessions, practice games, all to get ready and come back stronger with our RS2010 team. The big change this year will be that we are coming with improvements down low (Antoine Broxsie, 210cm + Kenji Hilke, 197cm).
Broxsie is the BJ League's leading shot blocker and rebounder, playing with the Takamatsu Five Arrows. Hilke is originally from the Japanese "Far East Ballers" street team, having played in Kingdom/W.4th street tournaments (NYC) and is now playing pro with the Tokyo Apache. Last year, we had basically no low-post presence to run our offense with, and at the defensive end, all we could do was foul. I think this year we should be able to bring a solid defensive attack and rebound the ball with more authority. That will be the most important change for us to get our first win. We can find a rhythm at both ends, and just play our game.
If I remember, Rising Suns is composed of players from different team. How do you build the chemistry ?
Getting players to make that initial commitment to play at Quai 54 has been difficult, first, because the tournament is relatively new to Japanese ballers, and teams are concerned about injuries, missed practice time, etc. So its a little bit too risky for some teams to consider letting their players participate in. But as we continue to build our network and communicate the value of this trip for Japanese basketball as a whole (increasing exposure and visibility, helping J Hoops rise through international competition), players are starting to come around and want to run with us.
The final player selection for our 2010 Rising Suns roster was made just one month ago. Many of the guys had already played together on pro and club teams in Japan, which made the chemistry and team-building a little easier to grow. A few of the guys are playing together for the first time, but they come from a strong background of organized basketball (NCAA, Pro) so they are very coachable and are able to pick up our offensive/defensive sets quickly. Basically this group will have been together for about a month by the time we get on the court at Palais De Tokyo, June 26th. We've had four exhibition games in Tokyo (4-0), and will have a few days of workouts and practice games in Paris in the week leading up to Quai 54. Altogether, we should have some nice momentum going into our first round game.
Coming all the way long from Japan is a huge cost. How do you succeed to bring such a group in Paris ?
We've been struggling with the cost of airline tickets more than anything this year. The price of flights from Tokyo to Paris have doubled since last year, and we wanted to bring a full squad of 10 players, so that meant I had to step up our fundraising efforts and try to rally a few more local sponsors to pay for the project. My nonprofit organization, Hope 81 (www.hope81.org) is thankful for all the local community support we've received this year. Unfortunately we haven't yet reached our fundraising goal, so I will pay for the remaining costs (hotel, food, daily expenses) from my own personal funds. Whatever it takes, right?
Anyways, I think having a grassroots network for funding and financial support makes our Rising Suns team stronger, and gives us an extra lift knowing that our local community is behind us as we play against the top teams in the world. I like to remind our players that we need to start believing in something bigger than ourselves if we want to win in Paris. This challenge is not about individuals, its about us (the team, the community, the country). If we can see the big picture, start to play with that motivation, and hopefully get our first win...it will be money well spent. Win or lose, this is an investment in something bigger than simply a group of guys going to Paris to play a game. I can definitely live with that.
What is the Schedule of Rising Suns this summer ?
We have received an invitation to play in a new international tournament to be held at the end of July, in Spain. The roster and agreement is still being finalized right now, so I can't say too much about it yet. But we are excited about the possibility of representing Japan twice at international competitions this summer. Back-to-back trips to Europe will be a great challenge for us, and the invitation is especially good for my organization because the costs will all be paid for by the tournament organizers. Thanks to Hammadoun and Quai 54 for putting the Rising Suns into the spotlight last year, we were able to receive this invitation. The experience has helped us get some much needed attention from the basketball world. Now its our job to battle for a win. Whatever happens, the dream is alive and Japanese basketball is rising. Thanks 'Doun!
Building Momentum: DAY 20
June 20 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
RS2010 vs. NYC scrimmage game (Yoyogi)
We had our 4th and final practice game today...another win for the Rising Suns 2010 squad, so we're a perfect 4-0 right now going into our trip to Quai 54. We're still trying to get our players into the flow offensively before we get on the plane tomorrow, but I think the team is starting to click much better than we were just a few weeks ago. And with the four wins, it's good to know we have the kind of killer instinct to get the job done. Whether it's against one of Japan's top club teams or a local pick-up game, our Rising Suns are focused on one thing right now: winning. And its great to see we're building some strong momentum -- exactly at the right time.
Tomorrow we'll be taking an early evening flight so I told the guys they might want to hit the gym before they go to the airport, keep themselves in prime shape before a long travel day. I'm excited to see what we can do with this year's team. How we handle the next five days of going on the road, time changes, adjustments to new environments, food, language, etc. is going to be crucial for us, as a team. Can we keep a strong mindset, and carry this momentum into Quai 54 with all our players healthy, confident in each other, trusting each other, and knowing we can win our first round matchup -- no matter who the opponent is? I guess it goes back to one of my earlier posts from ‘Day 3’, about think power. We are now getting closer and closer to believing. As a coach, I’m happy to see that more than anything right now.
Rising Suns, 4-0! Here we go!
ジェイソン
RS2010
Rising Suns in Paris (schedule): DAY 19
June 19 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Finally got a basic schedule mapped out for our upcoming trip to Paris next week. Really looking forward to this journey with everyone on our team, and excited about all the things we’re going to see and do throughout the week -- both on and off the court. For most of our guys, this will be their first trip to France (and first time in Europe) so I know its going to be a week they’ll never forget.
Here’s the overview, and once again, we’re still in need of some last-minute donations and/or sponsorship to pay for general expenses in Paris (hotel, food, player insurance, etc.). If anyone is interested in supporting our team, please let me know!
*****************************************************
RS2010 @ QUAI 54 in PARIS!
Monday (6.21): Team Travel from Narita to Paris (NRT-CDG)
***
Tuesday (6.22): Airport-pickup, hotel check-in, lunch, light run @ Levallois, dinner
***
Wednesday (6.23): Breakfast/team meeting 9:00AM, Workout@George Eddy 11:30-2:00PM, Lunch, Paris, Dinner
***
Thursday (6.24): Breakfast/team meeting 9:00AM, Workout@Japan/Italy/Spain 3-team scrimmage?, Lunch, Paris, Team Dinner w/ Kurosaki-san in St. Germain
***
Friday (6.25): Breakfast/team meeting 9:00AM, Workout@George Eddy 11:30-2:00PM, Lunch, Paris, Meet Hammadoun @ Palais de Tokyo for Q.54 orientation, Dinner
***
Saturday/Sunday (6.26, 6.27): Le Quai 54, schedule TBA
***
Monday (6.28): Breakfast/team meeting 9:00AM, Louvre Museum, Lunch, Paris, Dinner
***
Tuesday (6.29): Breakfast/team meeting 9:00AM, Departure (CDG-NRT)
*****************************************************
Rising...whatever you do, don’t forget your passports on Monday!! And bring your game.
ジェイソン
RS2010
Bring the 'Game 7' Intensity: DAY 18
June 18 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Photo: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times
I don’t care who you were rooting for during today’s game, the bottom line is the same: Game 7’s are the ultimate test. The Los Angeles Lakers took a pounding all night from the Boston Celtics in an intense NBA Finals showdown between the two greatest franchises in League history. Both teams worked their butts off all night as if their lives depended on it. After being down by as many as 13 points in the 3rd quarter, the Lakers kept grinding it out and stayed in the game. Their star player Kobe Bryant struggled at the offensive end, so they had to look to their other key players (especially Pau Gasol and Ron Artest) to keep them going. Role players. Role players. Role players. By the final buzzer, the keys to the Lakers’ heroic Game 7 comeback victory were team defense, rebounding and hustle. Plain and simple.
This kind of all-out challenge for a Game 7 win in the NBA Finals is really inspiring to me personally, just as much as it was back in 1987-88 when I watched the Lakers fight for back-to-back championships. I’m still a die hard fan, and still fight with everything I’ve got to reach my goals in life. But this is important to me now, not just because I’m a lifetime Laker fan and love to see the purple and gold win. Right now, this is exactly what our RS2010 squad needs to bring in our FIRST game at Quai 54 next weekend. Game 7 intensity!!!
Don't save anything for the second round...there might not be one. Don't hold anything back... we need everything you've got. I'm trying to work on this in practice, asking the guys to play with that sense of urgency for the entire game -- no matter who we’re scrimmaging against. No mental breakdowns. No saving it for later. No fear. No holding back. Our game 1 in Paris is a game 7...
Rising, for a championship.
ジェイソン
RS2010
Fundraising challenge: DAY 17
June 17 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
******Hope 81 fundraising goal for 2010 Rising Suns team******
1,500,000 yen
Total funds raised (as of 6.16.2010):
1,100,000 yen
The good news: I’m happy to report that we’ve almost tripled our fundraising totals from last year, so things are going well for Hope 81-- thanks to our local sponsors and community supporters. The bad: now we are in crunch-time, with our players set to leave for France next Monday, and still in need of an additional 400,000 yen. To briefly explain the situation, here’s what we are dealing with at the moment:
When it came time to purchase the flights for our RS2010 players, we were expecting a similar rate to that which we received last year (or perhaps slightly higher/lower). We checked with dozens of travel agencies, group rates, standbys, multiple stops, everything you can imagine, and eventually we had to settle for the standard fare. To our surprise, the cost for our team to visit Paris (per person) nearly doubled from last year! Clearly not the best news in the world for a volunteer/nonprofit organization which is still building its financial base and relying almost entirely on the Founder’s empty pockets. It’s my choice to put it all on the line, and I love where this choice has brought our team and the organization itself...but I’ve used every yen to my name and we are in serious need of help.
Okay, so all that being said, we’ve made it this far and we’re certainly not turning back. I just wanted to take this time to reach out one last time before we go, and ask for a little extra assistance from someone out there. Perhaps someone interested in Asian/Japanese basketball development. Or someone who just loves the game, period, and would enjoy seeing our Rising Suns realize their dreams of winning a world championship at Quai 54. For the game, for Japan, for Asia, for something bigger than ourselves...here’s your chance to help.
Please contact us today if you would like to contribute as a private donor or company sponsor. We’d love to hear from you!
Rising, no matter what.
Hope 81 Founder
RS2010 Organizer/Coach/Player
Jason Hutson
ジェイソン ハトソン
From 81 to the "92 Easy": DAY 15
June 15 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Tokyo-Paris Connection, Yace/HMN
Yace La Menace is our Rising Suns team coordinator in Paris. He is the reason we got the introduction to Quai 54 in the first place. If you are wondering, The Menace got his name for breaking down his opponents on the basketball court-- frustrating them with an arsenal of spin moves, crossovers, no-look passes, which hopefully we'll get to see more of this summer when he plays with our RS2010 team at Quai 54. Going to be great to have him running with us this year!
Outside of basketball, Yace has a fashion/design company called Hype Means Nothing, based in Paris. They are starting to grow worldwide with their signature t-shirt line (see pictured above), and recently began some local distribution here in Tokyo at Laforet/Harajuku, Midtown/Roppongi and a few other boutiques. Find out more on their HMN blog.
Yace has also helped get our Rising Suns documentary going by connecting us with his longtime neighborhood friend and filmmaker Youri Fatianoff. Check out the Olyouri collection of music videos and more, featuring local artists like Barbak leDemoniak and Adek Dark’S, all representing the 92 EZ = an original neighborhood crew from the 92 district of Paris, Genevilliers.
It's always good to have some family over there in Paris, to help get to know the culture and keep us out of trouble. Hanging with Yace, Youri, Barbak, Adek and all the 92 EZ will definitley be an experience our Japanese players will never forget. We’re looking forward to meeting up with you soon.
From the 81 to the 92...here we come!! Rising.
ジェイソン
RS2010
RS2010 Official Party (+Fundraiser) recap: DAY 14
June 14 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
RS2010 OFFICIAL PARTY (+ FUNDRAISER)
@SMOKE
6.13.2010
Recap
Great turnout for our big Rising Suns 2010 party last night at Smoke! Altogether we had 100 guests show up. Thanks to you all, Hope 81 raised over 120,000 yen to help pay for our team’s upcoming trip to Paris. During the party, we introduced the Rising Suns members with a special “Draft Night” ceremony. Players were called up in front of the crowd to receive their official Rising Suns uniforms. This was definitely a proud moment for me, personally, as player/coach/organizer. To see all of our team up there, standing strong together as one unit. I think the party helped us grow closer as friends and teammates, while having some fun with our supporters, great deejays (Haraguchic and Masa) and all of Kurosaki-san’s crew at Smoke/Tokyo Design Flow.
After the player introductions, we had a special duo performance from I-BEAR and ZineZ a.k.a. Kamikaze (check the video below, you gotta see these guys tearing it up!!)...
We’re still looking to raise another 380,000 yen over the next seven days, but I’m energized more than ever from the party... and all the love we received from our Tokyo community has got me ready for one last run before we go. At the end of the night, many people (old friends and new faces) were kind enough to drop a few extra yen in our donation box on their way out. For one thing, this kind of grassroots support really helps us move closer to our fundraising goals. At the same time, it makes the Rising Suns a community-sponsored Japanese National Team. I love the sound of that. Working with the heart and soul of our community. Email us today if you’d like to help Japanese basketball rise! Hope 81/RS2010 is searching for a few more sponsors or private donors, so please let us know.
日本代表... and you know we will.
ジェイソン
RS2010
Meet RS2010 Sponsor "Gallery-2": DAY 13
June 13 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Just getting back from the RS2010 Official Party + Fundraiser we put on earlier tonight in Harajuku. We saw lots of good friends, family, community sponsors and supporters come out to help our team get to Paris. It was awesome to see you all there. I’ll be writing a report on that tomorrow...
Tonight, we gave everyone a first look at our new uniforms (see pic above), thanks to RS2010 sponsor Gallery-2 Sporting Goods. The shop manager, Obata-san, is a long-time friend of our Hope 81 projects. He first began helping out with donations of Gallery-2’s out-of-season jerseys/uniforms/shorts/old stock/etc., which we then delivered to Papua New Guinea schoolchildren. And when we sent a small group of Youth Sports Ambassadors to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Obata-san and Gallery-2 were there for us again -- providing custom jerseys for our players.
Since 2009, we’ve been going back to Obata for help with all our jerseys and team uniforms for the Rising Suns projects, making sure our players are fitted up with the latest (and freshest) gear. Based in the heart of Shibuya, Gallery-2 has been doing this stuff for years. Pretty much every junior high/high school player, local club team member or streetballer in Tokyo’s basketball community knows Gallery-2 is the place to go...especially for their big seasonal sales.
As you can see in the picture, this year we’re representing the authentic, original Japanese sportswear brand Mizuno. Now this is looking like a true 日本代表 team, right? Of course, its more than just having the logo. We’ve still got to bring our game to Quai 54 (not just our name!). But at the end of the day, local community support and sponsorship from Japanese brands is going to be really key for us to keep growing the dream. And Obata-san/Gallery-2 made it happen for us once again, this year. Thank you for helping us RISE!!
Now its back to work this week for more practice games, scrimmages and workouts. Seven more days to go!
ジェイソン
RS2010
'Uprising' for J-Hoops: DAY 11
June 11 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
We had our first scrimmage last night against a great local club team Giga Spirits. Before the game, I talked briefly with Giga’s head coach, Koyama-san. Really nice guy, and very kind of him to arrange a game for us before we hit Paris. Like the Rising Suns, his team is working on grassroots player development for Japanese hoops. And from what I hear, Giga Spirits have been holding down as the #1 team in Kanagawa for a while. Here’s a look at how we handled our first RS2010 exhibition game:
- The Giga three-point attack had us on our heels most of the first half. We found ourselves down by double-digits at one point.
- Before the game, I reminded our Rising Suns that it was our first chance to run as a team, and that the offense might not come yet. The main things we could do as a team were to play strong defense and rebound the basketball. And that’s exactly what we did.
- We forced 20 turnovers, and out-rebounded our smaller opponents, 40-20.
- To hang tough, and battle back against a quality team like that was a positive way to start things off.
- I know we wont see a team shoot 30 threes in a game in Paris, but at least we tested our will to win last night, and got to know each other a lot more.
After the game, I was thinking about the work Koyama-san is doing with Giga Spirits, and all the other local clubs running a similar kind of system for basketball player development here in Japan. There’s dozens (or hundreds?) of clubs, groups, teams, organizations, companies, agencies, media etc. all looking to grow basketball in Japan. Here’s some of the one’s which I’ve gotten to know and work with personally...in no particular order:
ALL DAY
SOMECITY
LEGENDS
HOOP IN THE HOOD
GYMRATS
8 LEAGUE
JAPAN SPORTS REVOLUTION (JSR)
HOOP HYSTERIA
FIVE STAR
NKS-405
FOR GAME
JAPAN BASKETBALL ACADEMY
BALL TONGUE CAFE
ED ODEVEN/JAPAN TIMES
I honestly believe this could be the structure of a new uprising in J-Hoops. With so many people organizing for action on all different levels, the next step is now for our Rising Suns team to get the win in Paris -- and then bring the global spotlight to focus on Japan’s rising basketball culture. This journey to Paris is for all J-players, streetballers, kids at the park, NBA dreamers, coaches, scouts, agents, league officials,JABBA federation heads, and Mr. Aso himself. The UPRISING is here and we’re not going away quietly...so let us know if you’d like to collaborate, from wherever you are.
Tonight, I’ll be heading down to the Somecity event Da Bash! in Kawasaki/Club Citta, to watch a few of our guys (Lono, Micky, K-TA and Kenji) represent the RS2010 squad against some local street teams. Then tomorrow, Rising Suns team captain ST will return to his old neighborhood for the Legends Stage 3 streetball event. Support the team, and support the community. Should be a fun weekend. Altogether, we are the Uprising.
***Remember: this Sunday night 6/13 @ Smoke in Harajuku, we will hold our annual party for the Rising Suns team trip to Paris. Please come have fun, and help us raise the remaining funds we need to get there***
ジェイソン
RS2010
RS2010 Player Selection: DAY 9
June 09 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
It's already Day 9 of the blog and I still haven't spent much time introducing our Rising Suns 2010 日本代表 National Team. In the next few days, I promise I will get around to it.
To be honest, we've been busy getting everything straightened out concerning our players' commitment to travel with the team to Paris. It's a big leap for a lot of these guys. With Quai 54 being relatively new to Asia, asking people to go into something they don’t know too much about is pretty risky, and not a welcome idea in Japanese culture -- generally speaking. And for the pro players on this year's squad, we had to make sure everything was solid with season contracts, tryouts and negotiations for next year, etc.
It's not as easy as some might think, to rally a team of Japan's top players and get them all signed and ready for a tournament half way around the world. Here's a little video clip of my adventure around Tokyo last week, pushing to get all our players to sign the “RS2010 General Agreement” before we purchased the team’s airplane tickets to Quai 54.
It was a rush (that's why you see guys signing on street corners) but eventually we got everything together before the deadline. That's all that counts. We’ll be in the air before we know it! Rising...
First team scrimmage tomorrow against Yokohama club team Giga Spirits.
ジェイソン
RS2010
To be honest, we've been busy getting everything straightened out concerning our players' commitment to travel with the team to Paris. It's a big leap for a lot of these guys. With Quai 54 being relatively new to Asia, asking people to go into something they don’t know too much about is pretty risky, and not a welcome idea in Japanese culture -- generally speaking. And for the pro players on this year's squad, we had to make sure everything was solid with season contracts, tryouts and negotiations for next year, etc.
It's not as easy as some might think, to rally a team of Japan's top players and get them all signed and ready for a tournament half way around the world. Here's a little video clip of my adventure around Tokyo last week, pushing to get all our players to sign the “RS2010 General Agreement” before we purchased the team’s airplane tickets to Quai 54.
It was a rush (that's why you see guys signing on street corners) but eventually we got everything together before the deadline. That's all that counts. We’ll be in the air before we know it! Rising...
First team scrimmage tomorrow against Yokohama club team Giga Spirits.
ジェイソン
RS2010
Meet QUAI 54 founder Hammadoun Sidibè: DAY 8
June 08 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
The legacy of Levallois is growing...
This year, the 8th edition of Quai 54 is moving to an epic new venue, bringing the top 16 teams in the world to a spot called Palais de Tokyo. The Rising Suns du Japon in the Palais de Tokyo? Wait... what?! Not sure what the name stands for exactly, possibly a museum? but I like it...of course. Our players' eyes lit up when they saw the new Quai 54 poster. Maybe we can use that to pump up the team even more. Not in our house!
Not in our Palais!!
Quai 54とは？
Even after making some noise with our first entry in Quai 54 last year (media, interviews, etc.) I think a lot of people here in Japan are still wondering what the event is all about. Language and cultural barriers may have something to do with it. Anyways, I really wish we could get some subtitles in Japanese for this video. If you haven't seen it yet, here's a clip of our very first meeting with tournament founder, Hammadoun Sidibè. The cafe was a little bit dark for the video, but try to listen to his words. By the end, you will understand why Quai 54 is the one and only Jordan-sponsored international hoops tournament in the world.
Hammadoun a.k.a. ‘Doun knows how to build a legacy, how to become legendary, and all that. He talks about playing with heart, and what players need to win in Quai 54. His tournament slogan reminds all the players who come to Paris each year: Bring Your Game, Not Your Name. I guess since Japan doesn't really have a name in the basketball world yet (except for maybe Tabuse?), all we can do is bring our game. For the guys on our RS2010 team, its simple: we just need to play fundamentally strong basketball, and bring all the hustle and intensity we possibly can for 24 minutes.
Its great to be coming back for a second chance, and we're bringing our A-game, 'Doun!
Rising...
ジェイソン
RS2010
Legendary Coach, John Wooden: DAY 5
June 05 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Photo: www.achievement.org
Photo: www.woodencourse.com
I was planning to write more about our Rising Suns road to Paris today. Then I got the news about the passing of John Wooden, a coaching legend and basketball god. He was 99 years old. An awesome life, an amazing Coach...
I imagine his words were echoed by pretty much every youth/high school coach across the USA at some point in the season, written on locker room walls before practice, and pondered by players on long bus rides home -- after losing a tough game on the road. I had the rare chance to practice in Pauley Pavilion once, with my high school team. Walking into the gym, I remember feeling some goose bumps that day because of all the tradition that Wooden had built over the years with Kareem, Walton and the gang. And I will never forget meeting my lifelong hero Magic Johnson that day either... unbelievable. Hanging on the sidelines with Magic at the house that Wooden built. Really a dream come true.
Now what did Coach Wooden think about Japanese basketball development? I’m sure someone asked him that question at least once during his lifetime, digging for some secrets to success from the coaching master. I haven’t googled it yet, but I guess Coach Wooden would say the best way to grow better basketball skills in a country where size and power are lacking is to work with what you’ve got, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."
Wooden’s words are pointing to the underlying challenge for all J-Hoops players, coaches, federation officials, and even the fans themselves: Can Japanese youth athletes go ahead and take some risks when they first start learning the game, try something new, find a creative ‘go-to’ move, or better yet, shock the world by playing with instinct rather than following old traditions of run-run-run and pass-pass-pass?? And by that, I mean can coaches, family and surrounding community members stand behind those youth players 100% when they go out on that limb to learn the game a different way (or shall I say, the ‘Wooden’ way)?
Japan needs to encourage kids to become ‘doers’ and if that means making a few mistakes, or taking a few risks to become better players, then Coach Wooden might have the answer for Japan’s ongoing search for why it can’t break through at the international level of competition. More risks, more mistakes! It sounds strange, and even counter-intuitive to Japanese Basketball Federation ears, but we’re not worried about them right now. Its all about grassroots. Our Rising Suns are taking risks by playing across borders, working with international players and coaches, and traveling half-way around the world to show the world we are not afraid to make mistakes. Win or lose, we’re making a statement with this team. I can only hope Coach Wooden would see our team battle for a championship in Paris, from whatever realm he is in now, and shout some words to motivate our guys.
ジェイソン
RS2010
Think Power: DAY 3
June 03 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Pump it up, Japan! It’s now or never.
The official QUAI 54 qualifiers are set for June 20th. Check your calendars, ballers...that’s only a couple of weeks away. I’m sure the top teams in Paris are all hungry for a chance to represent at this year’s 2010 edition. Its definitely going to be an epic event, the world’s strongest teams battling it out, and plenty of big surprises from Hammadoun’s crew -- as always. The energy is going to be hot! And who knows, we might get matched up with one of those hungry teams from the qualifiers in the FIRST round. Whoever it is, we’ve got to be mentally prepared.
Today, I was talking with some of our guys at practice about how to fight through the tough times. Especially right now -- not having everyone from our team there, and not feeling the chemistry just yet. All we can do at this point is just take care of ourselves. Push, train, work hard, get stronger, stay focused. It really makes no difference whether we have only two guys at practice, or twelve. Here’s the bottom line: are YOU taking care of business and doing what you have to do to help the team win in Paris? Worrying about the other guys who aren’t showing up will only break us down even more. This is the mental side of the game that we’ve got to figure out. Mind training, visualization, ala Phil Jackson. Think that you are going to make the right play, and see yourself as a champion. Think that your teammates are going to do the same.
I love this concept of think power that led the Bulls to those championships back in the 90’s.
Our Rising Suns lack size at some positions (not all of them, like last year). Nevertheless, if we think we are strong enough to win, and believe with all our hearts and minds that our teammates are going to do whatever it takes to get the job done, then we will be on our way. How we train our minds is equally as important as how we train our bodies in the gym, weight room, or whatever. If this team can get past that feeling of “Can we win in Paris?” and start thinking, AS A TEAM, that we have the power to win anywhere, anytime, its going to be an awesome run for a championship...
I know that’s a bold statement, but there’s no other way to think right now. Think power. Think power.
Think power.
Let’s go, RS2010.
ジェイソン
Rising Suns 2010: DAY 1
June 01 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
RS2009 TEAM @ QUAI 54, thanks to Bounce Mag for the photo!
Last year’s final score: 38-20 (L).
That was then, this is now...
Japan’s Rising Suns are heading back to Paris for a second chance.
Something I often remind our guys is that we were only losing 19-15 at halftime, hanging tough with probably the second best team in France. And we were playing against 7-footers basically without any post defense. Everyone knew we were going to have issues with our low-post game/lack of a true big man. Tallest guy last year was me (left) and Takaku Jun from the Tochigi Brex (right) at 6’5”? By the end of the game, we were getting blown out and had about 20 turnovers in 24 minutes. So handling the ball under pressure and eliminating careless turnovers is an area we can definitely work on this year. And of course, hit our FREE THROWS.
Now, we are coming back bigger, stronger, and much more experienced (especially at the guard and center positions). More about our team roster in the next few days I hope...still waiting to get all our player profile stuff in order.
Over the next three weeks of preparation, I’m going to try and write a daily journal here on the blog. The focus will be to look at our team developments, progress, pitfalls (hopefully not too many of them to report), exhibition games, player roles and leadership, local sponsorship and support, and everything else that we need in order to compete with the top teams in the world.
I know we can rise to the challenge with this year’s squad. No doubt in my mind. Still trying to figure out how to make the players BELIEVE they can win in Paris...
The challenge is also to make sure everyone believes in each other, no matter what the rest of the world thinks about Japanese basketball being too small or too weak to win at the highest level.
10 players.
1 goal.
Yes we can...
(Please become a fan!)
RS2010 Player/Coach/Organizer
Jason Hutson
The Rising Suns Journey
May 24 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
The journey is the reward...
I found these words in Phil Jackson’s book, Sacred Hoops. I started reading it this past year when I began my new role as player/coach/manager/organizer of the Rising Suns. In my last blog, I reflected on how the player selection process has developed since last November ’09. At this point, we’re still far from the ‘end’ of this journey. Maybe there is NO real end. But being here on the eve of our RS2010 final player selection, I’m wondering what the players are thinking...
Over the course of about seven months of tryouts, workouts, training sessions, practice games, and plenty of ankle sprains, knee injuries, struggles with work schedules, personal hardships, etc. it’s often been hard for me to guess what’s going through their minds. I’ve been here in Japan a long time (8 years), as a basketball player, teacher and grad student, but I’m still getting the hang of figuring out how to motivate the players, or when they need to be left alone to learn things for themselves. So now that we’ve gone through the first important stage, all I can hope is that they are wondering “Did I give it my best shot?” And at the very least, I hope they are saying to themselves: “Yeah, that was a long, tough road and now I can see that I need to work a lot harder!”
For those players who came every week and hustled through all the S&C drills at the track, fought through our circuit training at the gym, or battled hard on defense during our practice games, I’m sure this must feel pretty good to be on the verge of representing Japan at the Quai 54 World Championships in Paris. For the others who showed up once in a while (or the ones who were never on-time, you know who you are!), I’m sure there must be a few doubts running through their heads right about now. And for those who just came once or twice and gave up, for whatever reason, maybe you are not reading this so I wont bother to guess what you might be thinking. Good luck to you guys.
I think its worth explaining, the point of the whole Rising Suns experience is to grow better basketball skills (fundamentals, strength & conditioning, team-building) and open up new communication across borders (more visibility, exposure, media, etc. for Japanese hoops). The ultimate goal is to reach a point where Japan might start to enter the conversation about “who’s the next breakthrough player from Asia?” Somewhere down the road, will this program really help Japan make a breakthrough in the international game? If so, how far down the road?
Well, back to Phil’s book: the journey is the reward. However long it takes... The fact that we are now in the process of building ways for Japanese youth to play at the highest level, this is what its all about. Taking action.
And we couldn’t be on this journey without our local sponsors and partners, so Hope 81 would like to take this chance to say a special thanks to all of the members of our local community.
P-one Clinic
Kubota Beauty College
Gallery-2
Tokyo Design Flow
*Private Donor: Patou-san
We appreciate your help in bringing our Rising Suns to Paris again this year, and we couldn’t do all of this without your wonderful support!
Jason Hutson
Hope 81 Founder
RS2010: Countdown!
May 01 2010 Filed in: Hope 81 | Rising Suns
Japan, are you ready for this? R-I-S-I-N-G...
It’s almost time. The moment of truth is here. Bring the spirit, the passion, the hustle, and determination. Bring the energy to challenge the best teams in the world. Battle for a championship with the Rising Suns this summer in Paris. National team members, pro players, street legends: this is THE premier showcase tournament, sponsored by none other than Michael Jordan.
With only a few more days until our 3rd and FINAL tryout for the Rising Suns 2010 日本代表 team, we found this article in the Japan Times today. It features an interview with NBA-hopeful/Tochigi Brex star point guard Yuta Tabuse, who talks about the value and importance of gaining exposure to the international game. (Alright Mr. Tabuse...We’ve got the chance for you! Let us know if you’re interested in joining our team, and gaining the ultimate exposure at this legendary international basketball event. Who knows, maybe a great performance in Paris will be your chance to show NBA & Euroleague scouts that you have what it takes?)
From Japan Times (4/30/2010):
“Brex's Tabuse not ready to give up dream of making return to NBA”
By Kazu Nagatsuka
...Tabuse added that other Japanese talents shouldn't be shy about leaving their native country and testing their skills overseas.
"If there are opportunities, they should actively go," he said. "I believe that they can improve their individual skills and then they will know what they're lacking. Unless you take that action, you don't get that."
If Japanese players are looking to gain experience against the best players in the world, then THIS is your chance! There’s still time for you to join next week’s tryouts, so let us know if you’re ready to make the journey to QUAI 54 this summer. Remember: this is YOUR chance of a lifetime.
日本代表
Rising Suns: Represent, Japan!
It’s almost time. The moment of truth is here. Bring the spirit, the passion, the hustle, and determination. Bring the energy to challenge the best teams in the world. Battle for a championship with the Rising Suns this summer in Paris. National team members, pro players, street legends: this is THE premier showcase tournament, sponsored by none other than Michael Jordan.
With only a few more days until our 3rd and FINAL tryout for the Rising Suns 2010 日本代表 team, we found this article in the Japan Times today. It features an interview with NBA-hopeful/Tochigi Brex star point guard Yuta Tabuse, who talks about the value and importance of gaining exposure to the international game. (Alright Mr. Tabuse...We’ve got the chance for you! Let us know if you’re interested in joining our team, and gaining the ultimate exposure at this legendary international basketball event. Who knows, maybe a great performance in Paris will be your chance to show NBA & Euroleague scouts that you have what it takes?)
From Japan Times (4/30/2010):
“Brex's Tabuse not ready to give up dream of making return to NBA”
By Kazu Nagatsuka
...Tabuse added that other Japanese talents shouldn't be shy about leaving their native country and testing their skills overseas.
"If there are opportunities, they should actively go," he said. "I believe that they can improve their individual skills and then they will know what they're lacking. Unless you take that action, you don't get that."
If Japanese players are looking to gain experience against the best players in the world, then THIS is your chance! There’s still time for you to join next week’s tryouts, so let us know if you’re ready to make the journey to QUAI 54 this summer. Remember: this is YOUR chance of a lifetime.
日本代表
Rising Suns: Represent, Japan!
Life, Basketball and Japan
March 02 2010 Filed in: Rising Suns | Hope 81
When I speak about Hope 81, people often ask me why Japan? To me, its sort of a no-brainer. I love my life here! But I guess the idea of a guy from California launching a nonprofit organization in Japan might seem a bit out-of-the-ordinary (or intriguing) to some, so the question deserves a better answer than that. Sometimes my answer turns into a long story of academic discourse, overlapping with personal anecdotes and so many twists and turns. I wish I had a 30-second version. Trust me -- I’m working on it. For now, here’s a special blog entry to give you a better idea.
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