I could have done more——.Looking back at this season, the first thing that came from Kai King was a word of reflection.Although the team aimed to win the B.LEAGUE championship, the result was an overall 19th place (6th in the central division).As an individual, I couldn't have a satisfying season.However, one cannot stay down forever.As the basketball fever rises throughout Japan, they are already switching their mindset to achieve their long-cherished goal in the upcoming season.What is the origin of King's strength, the player who never gives up even when he falls?

——Firstly, please give us a review of this season.

Last season, we were able to advance to the championship, and this season, we were aiming for the title as a team.However, we couldn’t quite catch a break, and ultimately, we were left with a disappointing result, finishing in 19th place overall.Our team was aiming for the top, but it’s most frustrating that we ended up with an incomplete combustion.As an individual, I was unable to fulfill my role in the areas of drive and game-making, which are my strengths.I honestly feel that I could have done more.On the other hand, the fact that the probability of 3-point shots has increased, and that we were able to demonstrate our strength in the improved defensive play, is viewed positively.I believe it is important to connect that to the team’s results moving forward.

——What was the basketball of Yokohama B-Corsairs that they originally wanted to demonstrate?

We consider “running basketball”, where everyone thinks while working hard, as our strength, and I feel that this style is gradually being established.In particular, in the final game of this season (against Kawasaki Brave Thunders), we were able to secure a victory while covering for the absence of key members with the entire team.It was a game where we were able to embody the basketball that we wanted to play, so we want to be able to demonstrate that throughout the season.

——Please tell us about the points you plan to strengthen for the upcoming season.

As a handler who creates opportunities, I believe the team expects me to play this role, so I think I can score points from there and make plays that capitalize on my teammates.I believe that by doing so, we can contribute to improving the team’s performance.We would like to strengthen that area during the off-season.

——You are from Yokohama, do you have the pleasure of playing for your hometown team?

I am very proud to be a part of the team I had admired since my childhood. I have been working hard with the thought, ‘I want to become such a player,’ so I want to become someone who can also be a goal for others. I think that might be a part of the responsibility as a professional.

——With the World Cup and Olympics, the basketball fever is rising all over Japan, but how would you like to contribute to the development of the basketball world?

Although I play in 5×5 games at the Yokohama B-Corsairs, I was also able to be selected for 3×3  Japanese national team.It’s the same basketball, but completely different events.The game is a whirlwind of offense and defense switching quickly, and you can see a lot of fascinating individual skills.Including the charm of the 3×3 format, I want to convey the excitement of basketball.

——How has your 3×3 experience been beneficial to you?

Last year and the year before, I was able to stand on the world stage such as the World Cup and the Nations League as a representative of the U23 Japan team.Learning about the basketball style of the opposing country and re-recognizing my own applicable skills, there was a lot to gain.I would like to utilize that experience in playing 5×5 basketball.

——You announced on your own SNS that your child is going to be born soon.Has there been any change in your private life or your attitude towards competition?

“I’ve developed a sense of responsibility that ‘I have to protect my family,’ and my motivation towards the competition has also significantly increased.My father tells me, “Whether as a professional or as a father, the real challenge starts from here.” But I want to enjoy even that challenge.I want to continue to link this to my own growth.

——I heard you like music, what kind of music do you usually listen to?

Actually, I don’t have a usual song that I listen to, I change the song depending on my mood for the day.For instance, when I want to get pumped up before a game, I listen to pop songs by Rickie-G, and when I want to relax, I listen to calming songs by Kaze Fujii.When I take a shower, I always do karaoke by myself (laughs). Since my father was a singer, music and songs have been a part of my life since I can remember.When I was in elementary school, I was so torn between becoming a basketball player or a singer in the future.If I hadn’t been playing basketball, I think I would have pursued a career as a singer.

——Please tell us about a memorable phrase or words your father said to you that still resonates in your heart.

Rather than a single word, I was taught a way of life itself.Since I was little, I’ve always been told, “Whether you’re a basketball player or a singer, you can’t reach the top level unless you work harder than the average person.”My father is American, but he studied Japanese diligently in order to pursue a singing career in Japan. Now, he works as a backup singer for Japanese artists.Seeing such a sight is precisely why I am not satisfied with the status quo, and have become able to constantly strive for the top.I believe that experience is my origin.I want to convey the importance of such effort to the children who will be born in the future.

——Please tell us your future goals.

Firstly, it is to win the B.LEAGUE title which we couldn’t achieve this season.Since we have been targeting that as our team’s main goal, we would like to continue challenging it in the coming season.As for my personal career, my goal is to become a player who can participate in the World Cup and the Olympics even in 5×5.Seeing me like this, I would be happy if the number of children who admire basketball players increases.

Although the team’s goals were not achieved,  King is already looking towards the next season.In my personal life, as I am about to have my first child, my motivation is only increasing.If I can achieve the goals of winning the B.LEAGUE title and being selected for the Japanese national team, it would also serve to prove my father’s teaching that “it’s important to work hard”.After this summer’s off-season, I wonder what kind of growth we will see.He is literally aiming to be the “KING” and is about to take off.

TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Takaki Iwata
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)