A Veteran’s Fire: Shin Hiejima’s Resurgence with the Japanese National Team
Shin Hiejima, a stalwart of the Japanese national basketball team for over a decade, announced his intention to retire from international play following the Asian Cup qualifier against Guam in November 2022. This marked the culmination of a 12-year journey that began with his debut in 2012 while representing Seigaku University. Hiejima’s career trajectory mirrors the evolution of Japanese basketball, from a period of stagnation to its current upward trajectory.
One pivotal moment in Hiejima’s career occurred during a 2021 match against China, the first official game after the Tokyo Olympics. At halftime, with Japan trailing by a meaningful margin, new head coach Tom Horvath delivered a blunt message to Hiejima, who had been a cornerstone of the national team for years: “If you don’t want to play for the national team anymore, you don’t have to!”
Hiejima’s response was immediate and resolute: “Please let me do it one more time!”
His tone was respectful, yet his inner fire burned brightly. As Hiejima recounted,”I felt like I was giving my all,so I was taken aback. Perhaps my competitive spirit took over. I didn’t want to end the game with a defeat. that kind of emotion was fueling me.”
Horvath, in his book “Build a Super Team!,” vividly describes his viewpoint on that halftime confrontation:
“I had called upon a player who yearned to wear the national team jersey and compete, but after witnessing his performance in the first half against China, I felt he was finished. So, in front of the entire team, I spoke frankly, telling him, ‘if you don’t want to play anymore, you don’t have to.’ He looked me in the eye and said,’I want to do it.’ Remarkably, Hiejima excelled in the second half of that game and continued to perform well in subsequent matches.”
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Hiejima acknowledged Horvath’s perspective: ”I wasn’t one to openly express my emotions. While I believed I was giving my best, Tom saw it differently. He felt I wasn’t performing at my peak potential. It wasn’t that I resented his words; I understood his point of view.”
This incident highlights the demanding nature of elite-level basketball and the constant pressure to perform at the highest level. It also underscores Hiejima’s unwavering dedication to the Japanese national team and his refusal to give up, even when faced with adversity.
the Fire Still Burns: An Interview with Tom Horvath
Welcome back to Courtside Conversations, fans! Today, we have a very special guest, the man who ignited a spark in the Japanese National Basketball team, Coach Tom Horvath! Tom, thanks for joining us.
Tom Horvath: ItS a pleasure to be hear.
Let’s jump right into it. Your book, “Build a Super Team!”, details a crucial turning point in Shin Hiejima’s career: that halftime confrontation against China.
TH: Absolutely. It was a moment of truth for both Shin and the team. We were down, and frankly, I wasn’t seeing the fire I expected from him. Now, Shin is a veteran, a cornerstone of the program. But sometimes, even the most dedicated players can hit a plateau.
You challenged him, telling him he didn’t have to keep playing if he didn’t want to. Looking back, was that a risky move?
TH: It certainly was. But I felt it was necessary. Sometimes, a jolt is needed. I needed to see if the desire was still there. And boy, did he show me.
His response, “please let me do it one more time!”, speaks volumes about his character.
TH: Exactly. He wasn’t backing down. He wanted to prove himself, to his teammates, to me, and most importantly, to himself.That second half, he played with a renewed intensity.
You mention in your book that he wasn’t openly expressing his emotions, but you saw something lacking. How crucial is that unspoken communication, that reading between the lines, for a coach?
TH: It’s essential.Basketball is a physical game, but it’s also deeply psychological. You have to understand your players, their motivations, their doubts. Sometimes, the best communication isn’t verbal. It’s through a look, a gesture, a change in body language.
Do you think your approach would work with every player?
TH: No, definitely not.Every player is different. Some respond to directness,others need encouragement,some thrive on competition. As a coach, you have to adapt your style to individual personalities.
Shin’s career mirrors the rise of Japanese basketball. Has his story inspired other players?
TH: I believe so. Shin’s dedication, his unwillingness to quit when things got tough, that’s a powerful message. He proved that age doesn’t define you, that you can always find that spark again.
What message do you have for young players who might be facing their own career crossroads?
TH: Never stop believing in yourself. There will be challenges, moments of doubt. But keep working hard, keep pushing yourself. And never, ever give up on your dreams.
This has been a interesting conversation, Coach Horvath. Thank you for your candor and insights.
TH: My pleasure.
And to our readers,what are your thoughts on Hiejima’s resurgence? Did Horvath’s approach go too far,or was it precisely what Shin needed? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from you!
