There is something touching about seeing Japanese athletes, and more broadly, athletes from Asia, making their mark on the global stage."The World University Basketball Series (commonly known as WUBS)" is one of the platforms creating global stages and emotional experiences for university students.In this article, we would like to discuss the WUBS "Sun Chlorella presents World University Basketball Series" held in August, introducing it with feedback from the participating universities: National Chengchi University, Hakuoh University, Radford University, and Tokai University.

With the establishment of a top league by professionals, active overseas Basketball studies, and the emergence of Japanese NBA players, Japanese men’s Basketball is now gaining great momentum.However, the global evaluation of Asian basketball is still not high, and it is a well-known fact that “global experience” is indispensable for further growth in the future.

In the midst of this, WUBS has set out to “raise the bar in the Asian University Basketball scene”, aiming to establish a “Champions League of University Basketball” originating from Japan. The All Japan University Basketball Federation is the main sponsor, with Rakuten Sports assisting in the operations, culminating in its establishment in 2022.From August 10th to 13th, over four days, the second “Sun Chlorella presents World University Basketball Series” was held at the National Yoyogi Stadium Second Gymnasium. Champions and strong teams from various countries and regions gathered, with twice as many teams participating as in the first tournament, totaling eight schools.Tokai University (Japan), National Chengchi University (Chinese Taipei), and Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines) are participating for the second year in a row.Five universities, including Korea University (South Korea), the University of Sydney (Australia), Hakuoh University (Japan), Perbanas Institute (Indonesia), and Radford University (USA), are participating for the first time.WUBS, which has expanded into a more international competition with the addition of universities from Australia and the United States, in addition to the Asian region, attracts nearly 10,000 people to the venue throughout the entire schedule.The halftime shows prepared for each game were well received, resulting in a record-breaking 250% increase in audience attendance from last year, exceeding everyone’s expectations.

Among the participating schools, the one that attracted attention was the Ateneo de Manila University “BLUE EAGLES” from the Philippines, the champion of the first WUBS.And from the home of Basketball, America, participating is Radford University’s “HIGHLANDERS”, a member of the NCAA Division 1, positioned at the top nationwide.As the host nation’s team, there were high expectations for the Hakuoh University “SOLDIERS”, a powerhouse school in Japan that regularly participates in the Intercollegiate (abbreviated as “Incale”, referring to the All Japan University Basketball Championship) and has produced many B.LEAGUE players. The same was true for the prestigious Tokai University “SEAGULLS”, the alma mater of Yuki Kawamura, who has been making great strides lately, winning the MVP award in the B.LEAGUE 2022-23 season (Kawamura is affiliated with the Yokohama B-Corsairs and the Rakuten Management Athlete, he enrolled in 2020 and left in 2022).However, suppressing those notable schools, the team that became the second WUBS champion was the “GRIFFINS” from the National Chengchi University of Chinese Taipei.

Despite being a young team established in 2017, the National Chengchi University “GRIFFINS” successfully took their revenge by achieving third place in the previous year.The team responded to the background as follows.

“Last year at WUBS, we were defeated by both Ateneo and Tokai University, which allowed us to identify many challenges in terms of training quality, defense, and physical aspects.This year, in preparation for WUBS, we have been making various arrangements, such as scouting and analyzing opposing teams’ play, and even participating in other international tournaments without taking a break in the off-season.I believe that strongly influenced the coach’s strategy and the player’s performance.I’m very happy that the team’s efforts have been rewarded.”One of our strengths is that each member of our team fulfills their respective roles while maintaining unity. We believe that this is one of the factors that has enabled us to defeat top players and teams around the world.”

Furthermore, the school expresses the following thoughts about international matches.

“Each team has its own strengths and culture, and being able to compete with many teams from around the world has been a very good experience.It was evident that each had prepared thoroughly, and compared to last year, it felt like the level of participating schools had increased.Tokai University, an old rival that we also competed against last year, demonstrated a fast-paced game of basketball along with a high shooting ability, while Radford showed high physical abilities in aerial battles and a game of basketball that is infused with American style.Hakuoh University was strong in both offense and defense, quick to counterattack, and had both physical strength and stamina. Furthermore, their determination to win was outstanding.”I am grateful for being able to participate in WUBS and for the wonderful tournament they organized.”

Mr. Tomoo Amino, the manager of Hakuoh University’s “SOLDIERS” who finished second after losing to National Chengchi University in the finals, says that competing against teams from around the world in this WUBS has been a great asset.

“I was looking forward to seeing how well WUBS, in their first appearance, would fare against the world’s top teams.I conveyed to them, “Do not overly magnify your opponent in international matches,” and I believe the players faced the challenge without fear.There were many aspects of our play that were globally competitive, and we were able to fight persistently until the very end.However, on the other hand, I felt that teams around the world understand the principles of Basketball well, such as how to initiate an attack, how to defend dangerous places, and countermeasures to tactics.In particular, Radford University had good control from the warm-up, was faithful to the basics, and their voices were well projected.It made me realize anew the importance of the basics, which I want to emulate.”I believe WUBS is an extremely effective platform not only for international exchange but also for creating opportunities to fall in love with Basketball by understanding the level and characteristics of each country and region.”

Just like Hakuoh University, Tokai University “SEAGULLS” from Japan were defeated in their first match against the National University of Politics.However, they remained undefeated in subsequent games and rose to fifth place.Regarding the second participation in WUBS, Mr. Akira Rikukawa, the Manager, says, “By watching university basketball from various countries and regions, my perspective has further broadened.”Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of world tournaments based on his experiences, stating, “Such experiences will become increasingly necessary for the development of Basketball among Japanese students and the next generation.”

“The match against Korea University in this tournament was particularly impressive.In recent years, facing a powerhouse team in South Korea that has been winning championships, with height, power, and shooting skills, no matter what position they are in, they create a mismatch against other teams.Against such a team, the fact that we were able to keep the score to 50 points and achieve victory sends a message to Japanese junior high and high school students that “Even without size, victory can be achieved depending on the way one fights.” That’s how I feel.I believe that gaining knowledge about the world and taking on challenges, including opportunities such as international competitions or studying abroad, will expand significant possibilities for the young people of the future.This time, not only in Asia, but I was truly happy to be able to play and watch games with teams from America, Australia, and other places I don’t usually get to interact with.More and more, I strongly felt the desire to play games with overseas teams and experience various styles of basketball.As a future goal, I want to go on a training journey abroad to compete with teams of the same age in Europe and America (regardless of whether they are university or club teams), and aim for victories.”I am grateful for having been given such an experience.”

In the end, Radford University’s “HIGHLANDERS” did lose to National Chengchi University in the semi-finals, but they triumphed impressively against the previous champions, Ateneo de Manila University, in the third-place playoffs.How does the team based in the United States perceive WUBS?

“I felt that WUBS has the potential to reach the top level in the Basketball event to be held in August.The JUBF (All Japan University Basketball Federation) and Rakuten are managing everything perfectly, and the competition format involving 8 teams is interesting. Players and coaches are likely to identify specific challenges.It was a matter of pride for us to be the first team participating from America, and it was also a very enjoyable experience as an exposure to a new culture.”I believe there is no doubt that WUBS will continue to gain popularity not only in Asia, but also worldwide.”

Furthermore, regarding the international match that was experienced this time, the same school, which belongs to NCAA Division 1 and WUBS, used a different “shot clock (the time limit from when the team secures the ball until they shoot)” and expressed their thoughts on the “speed and pace of the game development”.

“The teams we competed against in WUBS were all quick to switch between offense and defense, and they aggressively moved the ball forward regardless of whether their shots were successful or not. This left a strong impression.”Even after crossing the half court, the pace of ball movement was fast, and the quality of regular practice and coaching, as well as the trust relationship between team members, could be seen from the offense alone.Additionally, I was able to see a variety of zone defenses that I wouldn’t experience in the NCAA.One of the reasons for this could be that the shot clock, as defined by FIBA, is shorter compared to NCAA Division 1. I believe this is related. For us, with many young members, an increase in team possession inevitably leads to a faster game development and unfamiliar defensive formations, which I think was a great learning experience and a good challenge.

In Japan as well, a stage has been set where one can thrive as a professional Basketball player, and the challenge to the homeland of America is no longer a distant dream but a reality.WUBS, as a new platform connecting players with audiences and communities, is likely to become increasingly passionate in the future.I hope you enjoy the process of Asia, especially Japan’s basketball culture, being further developed by passionate and ambitious young people.The emotions gained there should be transformed into confidence and courage for many people, serving as the driving force to carve out their future.

TEXT: Keisuke Honda EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)