At Alpen TOKYO in Shinjuku, Tokyo, which opened this spring, a gorgeous talk event was held with Ryuichi Kishimoto (Ryukyu Golden Kings), who fought in the B League final last season, and Seiji Ikari (Utsunomiya Brex). was done.
This day’s event was realized through collaboration with UNDER ARMOUR (below: Under Armor), where both players use basketball shoes. In the final, the audience watched the two co-stars, who said they hadn’t talked to each other much, even though they were the same point guard.
This day’s event was managed by DJ Ketchup, who is also an arena MC at Vertex Shizuoka in the B3 league.
The happiness felt at the Utsunomiya x Ryukyu B1 final
――The two of you said that you “didn’t really know each other” until now, but first of all, please tell us your frank impressions of each other.
Kishimoto: I got the impression that Mr. Kage is a player who seems to be rather quiet because of his strong physical play that makes the most of his physique.
Uno: Kishimoto is from Okinawa Prefecture, so I thought he had a cheerful and kind atmosphere.
――Ryukyu advanced to the final for the first time, and Utsunomiya won the championship for the first time in five seasons. It seems that both teams had a meaningful season last year. What are your impressions of the two?
Kishimoto: After accumulating many wins (49 wins and 7 losses) and finishing in first place in the regular season, I think that “we were able to fight in a good atmosphere as a team.” In the postseason that followed, the team advanced to the finals for the first time.
鵤: There were many things that went wrong in the regular season when we finished 6th, but in the end the team was united and we were able to win the championship for the first time in 5 years. There were many things that happened, but I think we had a good season as a result.
――In the finals of last season, the matchup between the two point guards of both teams was realized.
Kishimoto: I have the impression that I have been beaten, because Izuku is a player who accurately follows the opponent’s weak points.
Kaoru: I think he is a central player on the team and an indispensable player. In preparation for the match against Ryukyu, where there were many players who couldn’t play in the match, Kishimoto, who is one of the “required players”, was an important theme for us, and we will overcome the wall and win the championship. I am really happy that I was able to do it.
――You were also awarded the Nippon Seimei Final Award.
鵤: That’s right. I think that I was able to contribute to the team in a good way in the match that decided the championship. (*Kou scored 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in Game 2 of the Finals.)
――Please tell us your impressions looking back on the final battle.
Kishimoto: First of all, I would like to thank you for preparing such a wonderful place as the final. Although there is a disappointment in losing the match, I think that the experience of playing on a stage where the feelings of ourselves and everyone who support us can change will be a source of inspiration for us in the future. I am really happy now.
鵤: I was able to take revenge on the stage of the final that I was frustrated with last year. I think this is a rare experience, and we are really happy that we were able to win in front of all the fans.
Kishimoto was surprised to hear “I don’t understand” about Koji’s unexpected routine.
――The two of you often say, “I think of all the fans,” but is there a moment when you can see the spectator seats during the match?
Kishimoto: That’s right. I think that the fans can see the audience seats more than they think. When I played well, I looked at the audience, and when I made a mistake, I looked away… (bitter smile). Fans always give me energy.
Uno: I am grateful for the support from the fans who wear shirts and hold towels, and I feel happy and joy when I play.
――Please tell us if you have a “routine” when facing a match.
Kishimoto: If I had to say it, I’d say close your eyes and meditate for about two minutes before heading out to practice. I started doing it to prepare myself for the competition, but if I make it a routine, I get anxious when I can’t do it, so I’m doing it while consulting with my body and the situation at that time.
鵤: Retying your shoelaces just before a match. During pre-match practice, I loosely tie my shoelaces because I don’t want my feet to be too tight. I try to tie it tighter when I need to concentrate before a match.
――Does Kishimoto feel the same way?
Kishimoto: I don’t know (bitter smile). From the time I practice, I tie my shoelaces tightly so that I spend my time in the same condition as in a game.
Last season, the “Ikaruga Challenge”, in which he assisted a goal with a chest pass from under his own goal, became a hot topic. He also talked about how to get a fast and strong chest pass.
“It’s not a play that can be learned through practice,” said Kishimoto, who talks about how great the “Ikaruga Challenge” is, while showing the shape of his hand, also shared the secret of chest passes.
After the talk show, a rock-paper-scissors tournament was held with autographed shirts sent to the winners and the shoes worn by both players in the B1 final.
Autographed colored paper of both players handed to all event participants
A player who puts his autograph on the shoes that he actually used in the final. This was presented to the winner of the rock-paper-scissors competition.
Mr. Kishi and Mr. Kishimoto talk about their commitment to choosing shoes and the appeal of Under Armor products
After the talk show ended, both players responded to additional interviews and talked about their impressions of the event and the appeal of Under Armor basketball shoes.
――Please tell us your impressions of participating in this “Alpen TOKYO x Under Armor Basketball Event”.
Kishimoto: It’s been a while since I’ve participated in an event, so I was able to enjoy it while feeling something new.
Kaoru: We knew each other, but we didn’t have a chance to talk to each other. I think today’s event was an opportunity to shorten the distance between us.
――Please tell us the point of choosing shoes for the two of you.
Kishimoto: Basically, I like to wear low-cut shoes that don’t restrict the ankle area. Also, when I actually play, I value the feel of the part where the sole touches the ground.
鵤：I value grip strength. (In contrast to Kishimoto) I don’t really care about the height of the sole pad.
Kishimoto: We are both point guards, but I think the way we choose shoes will change depending on the position.
――How do you feel about the Curry Flow 9 that you wore during the season?
Kishimoto: I feel that the “UA Flow” type sole is made quite special. I think it’s great feature that you can stop immediately without making any unnecessary movements.
鵤：I feel that these are shoes that stop really well. I think only those who have actually put them on will know, but they stop so often that I stumble when I’m just walking. I also feel the lightness and ease of movement of the shoes.
Kishimoto: It often happens when I wear these shoes. It stops really often, so I stumbled when it wasn’t really happening, and I was hit too (bitter smile). I also feel the impression that shoes are evolving year by year, including lightness. Also, I think that the high breathability and the fit that feels as if the feet are fixed are the characteristics of this “UA Flow” series.
鵤: I like the feeling of creating propulsion while using the cushioning of the shoe because it is strong against lateral movement.
――Please tell us about your points when choosing shoes and what you are particular about.
Kishimoto: I think that many students who work hard at club activities place importance on the durability of their shoes. In that respect, I think that this “Curry Hover Splash”, which has excellent durability, can be recommended.
Kaoru: As I mentioned earlier, I now choose shoes with a focus on “grip power”, but when I was a student, I wasn’t particularly particular about shoes. did. However, it is no exaggeration to say that the shoes you wear every day when playing basketball are the second most important thing after your body, so I think you need to carefully choose your shoes while valuing your preferences. .
――What do you think is the appeal of Under Armor products?
Kishimoto: When I was a student, I was impressed by the fact that Under Armor was the first to popularize “innerwear”, which was almost unknown at the time. In addition to shoes, I think the appeal of Under Armor is that they also carry many products such as “UA RUSH” that lead to improved performance for athletes.
Kaoru: I feel that this is a brand that truly cares about athletes and offers a wide variety of sporting goods.
――Lastly, please give a message to readers who are considering Under Armor shoes.
Kishimoto: Under Armor shoes are really light and grippy, and above all, easy to move. Shoes that incorporate cutting-edge technology will also lead to improved performance and competitiveness, so I would like many people to choose them.
Kaoru: The ease of wearing the shoes themselves is attractive, but I’m also looking forward to the release of various types of shoes due to the evolution of technology. By actually wearing various shoes, I would like you to expand the range of play styles and lead to growth as a player.
