When captivated by the performance of top athletes in games and competitions, one can't help but become interested in the equipment they use.Because in the casual selection of items, you catch a glimpse of your "uniqueness" unexpectedly.Moreover, there might be a hint supporting the breathtaking performance there.Let's learn from the professional basketball player, Kai King, who is an athlete under Rakuten Management.

Kai King, who joined the Yokohama B-Corsairs’ youth team (U15) during his junior high school years, has been thriving since signing a professional contract in 2021.In 2022, he was also selected for the 3×3 Men’s U23 Japanese national team, broadening his horizons as a player destined to carry the future of Japanese basketball.King, known for his knack of slicing through the opposing team’s defense with his drives, is surprisingly laid-back in his private life, quite contrary to his sharp plays on the field.Wear your favorite items and spend your time off with the free stance of “going where I want to go”.

“When I go out, I listen to reggae, which I’ve been into lately, on my “final” headphones to boost my mood.”Forgetting your earphones at home can really put a damper on your day.(laughs)”

It was an expression hard to imagine coming from King during the match.

However, when you look into my personal backpack, you can see the image of a top-notch athlete meticulously taking care of their body.The skincare cream, which she always carries with her, is an essential item that King, a player with dry skin, cannot do without.Especially in winter, games can easily dry out your hands, which can greatly affect your performance.It seems that Adidas sandals, which are worn on expeditions and such, have cushioning and make it harder to feel fatigue in the lower body.The massage gun that I frequently use allows me to choose from five different attachments according to the area I want to stimulate, contributing to my fatigue recovery.King, an athlete, emphasizes self-care to prevent injuries, his greatest enemy.Even while spending time in my own way privately, basketball is always in the back of my mind.One could also sense such “seriousness” from the backpack.He might just be a true basketball boy.

(Clockwise from top left) Shoulder bag / adidas, Sandals “Yeezy Slide” / adidas, Massage Gun / HYPERVOLT, Hair Cream / Cantu, Earphones / final, Backpack / adidas, Deodorant / Old Spice, Skin Care Cream / NIVEA soft, Sunglasses (top) / pine, Sunglasses (bottom) / Oakley®, Sneakers “Harden 7” / adidas

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I injured my leg in the shoes I used to wear, so now I prefer the “Harden 7″ by Adidas, which has a wide structure and can be worn without pain.”Since I wear them for both practice and games, they’ve become a part of my body.”

Cantu’s hair cream is for strengthening hair perms.I have been using it since I was in junior high school, not only for matches but also in my private life.

The Old Spice antiperspirant that his father has been using since he was young, and was recommended and even started being used by King player.”Many basketball players are using it, aren’t they?””I have about five stocked up at home.”

The Adidas backpack I’ve been using since my student days.It is indispensable during matches and expeditions.The pocket at the bottom is especially convenient as it can even store shoes.

For King, basketball is the center of his life, something he cannot detach from.That’s why, if anyone is even slightly interested in the items he possesses, I strongly encourage them to go watch the match.Surely from that play, one can likely get a sense of King’s personality.

“First and foremost, as a team, our primary goal is to win the title.Within that, I would be happy if I could become a strength for the team, and I have also been strengthening training in defensive aspects such as handling loose balls lately, so I want to show such growth.Also, athlete Yuki Kawamura is attracting a lot of attention now, isn’t he?We spend a lot of time together, and he is like a younger brother to me. While I am happy about his success, it also makes me feel a bit frustrated.”I am motivated by such feelings and aspire to reach greater heights.”

TEXT : Kodai Wada PHOTO: Teppei Hori EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)