![[Utsunomiya Brex ]Interview with Yudai Ishikawa, the first “U22” player (bottom) – Basketball: Nikkan Sports Premium](https://i2.wp.com/www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/news/img/202410160000274-w500_0.jpg?w=1240&resize=1240,&ssl=1 "[Utsunomiya Brex ]Interview with Yudai Ishikawa, the first “U22” player (bottom) – Basketball: Nikkan Sports Premium")
[UtsunomiyaBrex[UtsunomiyaBrex]Interview with Yudai Ishikawa, the first “U22” player (bottom)
Yudai Ishikawa (19), the first Utsunomiya Brex player to play in the U22 bracket, has been able to overcome obstacles by simply enjoying the game of basketball, even during difficult times. I entered the professional world with the spirit of always helping my team win, but on the other hand, I felt confused about playing basketball at a high level. It’s been about 3 months since I joined Brex. What do you feel now and how do you envision your future? This is the final installment of a two-part series. (The interview was conducted on September 26th)
basketball2024.10.24 06:00
<img src="https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/news/img/202410160000274-w1300_13.jpg" alt="Ishikawa listens to Coach Braswell's instructions with his teammates during team practice on September 26th.” width=”100%”/>
Ishikawa listens to Coach Braswell’s instructions with his teammates during team practice on September 26th.
Golden words from Tabuse
-After graduating from prep school in America, I returned to Japan.
I was thinking of working hard in America for the next two or three years. I talked to a lot of coaches from Division 1 (top category) of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), but the timing just wasn’t right, and in the end I was at the stage where I was deciding on a college. During that time, Brex talked to me, and youth coach Naomitsu Arai (current Brex U18 head coach) told me, “Let’s give it a try.” When I thought about where I could grow the most, Brex are a strong team in the B League, and I thought there was nothing better than playing for my hometown team.
-Were you surprised when you first heard the story?
Yes, can I come in? It was something like that. I have been watching Brex games ever since the team name was Link Tochigi Brex. My teammates include Mr. Tabuse, Mr. Kosuke (Takeuchi), Mr. Watanabe, and Mr. Endo. I’m still in a bit of disbelief.
-He doesn’t seem to be afraid or daunted at all.
Haha! I’m thinking of doing it regardless of that. I made a lot of mistakes, but I will not let things drag me down, I will correct them properly, and I will face the match with confidence.
Ishikawa avoids a touch with head coach Braswell (left) during team practice on October 9th.
September 21st Emperor’s Cup match against Kagawa Five Arrows. Ishikawa (middle) and Fotu (right) watching the progress from the bench
-You get along well with Fotu.
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Joined the company in 1988. Focusing on professional baseball, he covers Nippon-Ham during his time in Tokyo, the final Yokohama Taiyo (currently DeNA), and the Nagashima Giants. In April of this year, he returned to being a field reporter for the first time in 20 years, and has been reporting on a wide range of topics, not just baseball.
