Speaking to reporters earlier this week, former Japan Football Association president Saburo Kawabuchi had this to say:
“Of the famous players, (Kazuyoshi Miura) was the first one to go to Europe after the J.League started but even he struggled. Now, you’ve got 20 or so players at national team level who are in the best leagues in Europe. I think that reflects the growth of the J.League over the years.”
Having 20 or so Japanese players in the NBA is an unrealistic goal for the foreseeable future, but getting guys to Europe should be a target right away, a step in the right direction, and a way to give the national team players better competition year-round.
Only guard Takumi Ishizaki, who makes a living in Germany, is playing overseas among the national team basketball players. That's not enough, and the Japan Basketball Association should actively seek ways to change this.
“Of the famous players, (Kazuyoshi Miura) was the first one to go to Europe after the J.League started but even he struggled. Now, you’ve got 20 or so players at national team level who are in the best leagues in Europe. I think that reflects the growth of the J.League over the years.”
Having 20 or so Japanese players in the NBA is an unrealistic goal for the foreseeable future, but getting guys to Europe should be a target right away, a step in the right direction, and a way to give the national team players better competition year-round.
Only guard Takumi Ishizaki, who makes a living in Germany, is playing overseas among the national team basketball players. That's not enough, and the Japan Basketball Association should actively seek ways to change this.
RSS Feed
