Grassroots Player Development
RISING TO THE TOP
Who will be the next basketball player from Japan to break through in the NBA? And more importantly, what is stopping Japan’s up-and-coming players from making it to the next level? For the world to move past old stereotypes and perceptions about Japanese basketball being too small or too weak, we’re challenging to find a way to inspire a new mindset, and shake things up. The basic vision is to introduce a new kind of player with a creative, hard-nosed, and more dominant court presence. A player like Japan (and the world) has never imagined. An impossible dream? Last year, we launched our team The Rising Suns and opened some eyes at QUAI 54: the International Streetball Championship in Paris. By representing Japan as the first-ever team from Asia to compete in this world-famous/Jordan-sponsored tournament, it was our first step towards increased exposure and visibility for Japanese hoops. Keep reading to find more about the Rising Suns 2009 team, and see how Hope 81 is growing the movement across Japan...
On a trip through Paris in December of 2008, Hope 81 met with QUAI 54 Founder Hammadoun Sidibè to discuss the possibility of bringing a team from Asia to the next tournament. The answer, simply put: yeah, we’ll be there! Then Hope 81 began organizing a new team in the spring, putting together two professional players from the BJ League and JBL, three legendary members from Tokyo’s streetball scene, and two Tokyo-based international players. The tallest player on the team stood at 195cm, and the mountain they would have to climb at QUAI 54 was the highest they would probably ever see in their lifetimes. The Seven Samurai...in Paris?
IMPACT
QUAI 54 is the premier international basketball tournament in the world today, hosting several elite/national-level teams from Europe, America, and now Asia. It has the atmosphere of a mega-event like the World Cup. 16 teams, 8 countries, all battling it out for the championship on center court. The spotlight was on the Rising Suns in 2009, traveling all the way from Asia for their chance to be #1 in the world. The QUAI 54 crowd was pumped to see if Japan had the guts to beat one of France’s strongest teams: La Relève. By the end of the first half, and to everyone’s surprise, the Rising Suns were still in the game at 15-19. While La Relève went on to win the game 38-20, the impact was made. RS 2009 Team Captian Shuji Takei aka “ST” was given the post-game interview despite the loss, and Sidibe extended his invitation to bring a stronger Japanese team back in 2010. This impact on center stage was the key for Hope 81’s Rising Suns Player Development program to begin moving forward. The 2009 team helped put Japan on the map, and we wouldn’t be here without them.
REPRESENT 日本代表
Now Hope 81 is building from the momentum we gained at last year’s tournament, and organizing a national campaign for the Rising Suns 2010 team entry at QUAI 54. As we visit key basketball hubs around Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, etc.) and grow our player pool for this year’s team, we’re inviting everyone to get involved. Players, volunteers, sponsors are all invited to join the campaign. Our 2010 team will bring together a showcase of the best street, pro, and international players in the game today. This year’s team will look to include a base of players from the JBL, BJ League, club teams, street leagues such as Legends, Somecity, Hoop in the Hood, and player development networks like NKS-405, Gymrats, and more.
The goal: represent Japan at QUAI 54, and show the world there’s a new brand of Japanese basketball on the way. Its time to move beyond old limits and expectations. Its time to rise up, Japan!
SPONSORS & ADDITIONAL MEMBERS NEEDED!
Currently recruiting new players, project assistants, and sponsors for our trip to QUAI 54 in Paris (Summer 2010).
Contact us today if you are interested in getting involved.