Yuki Kawamura (20 years old), who plays as a specially designated player at the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the B League, has announced that he will sign a professional contract from next season. Why did you stick to “professional” until you dropped out of the prestigious Tokai University? (Interviewer: Daiki Tanaka)
–On March 3, it was announced that the period of activity as a specially designated player will be extended and that a professional contract will be signed from the 2022-23 season. Please tell us your current feelings.
KawamuraI had already made a decision, but I felt a little nervous and pressured by telling the media, many fans, and boosters again. With the announcement, I have to be more prepared for basketball.
–Kawamura has experienced a professional court as a specially designated player since he was in high school 3. When did you start thinking about this decision?
KawamuraThe specially designated player will be in the third year of this season (the first year is San-en Neo-Phoenix). After the incarnation in December (last year) was over, I joined Yokohama again, and as I practiced and played games, I immediately felt that I wanted to be a professional. It was only two years before the Paris Olympics, and when I thought about what I should do now, I thought this was the best timing.
――The main reason is “back calculation until the Olympics”?
KawamuraI agree. That is the biggest.
Decision to drop out of college
――Did you feel frustrated that you had to get better quickly and that you had to be a representative?
KawamuraIn the next two years, I may have been a little impatient. Also, the reason I went to college was to build a body for professionals, to improve basket IQ under the supervision of Akira Rikukawa, and to broaden the depth of humanity. It was two years, but I felt that I was able to grow steadily, so I think I made the decision to drop out.
――The degree of growth at the university has reached the point where you had an image to some extent.
KawamuraI agree. Due to the influence of the new Corona, the irregular season continued at the university, and there were times when we couldn’t play games. But on the contrary, I think I was able to concentrate on training and learn the practice of Director Lu Chuan. It was a difficult situation, but I was able to use it in a very meaningful way.
