Ibaraki Robots Bring Homegrown Depth With Keisuke Murakoshi Contract
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Breaking news: The ibaraki Robots have finalized a contract with Japanese forward Keisuke Murakoshi (#92), promoting him from trainee to a full roster player ahead of the Round 15 game against Akita on December 20. Murakoshi has been with the team this season as a trainee participating in top-team practices.
Murakoshi, 32, hails from Shizuoka Prefecture and has a standout resume built through ohori high School, Fukuoka University, and the University of Tsukuba. He was a two-time national champion during his university years (2014/2015) and progressed from the lower leagues to Japan’s top tier, reaching B1 starting in the 2023-24 season. This year, he balanced top-team practice as a trainee with youth-team duties and coaching roles, impressing staff with his drive and versatility.
With the contract now in place,Murakoshi is cleared to participate from this weekend’s game against akita,marking the official transition from trainee to registered player for the Robots.
Key Facts
| Unit number | 92 |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Height / Weight | 195 cm / 100 kg |
| Date of birth | March 16, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Alma mater | University of Tsukuba |
Career trajectory includes Earth Friends Tokyo Z (2016-2020), Vertex Shizuoka (2020-2023), Sunrockers Shibuya (2023-2025), then a July 2025-December 2025 trainee phase with the Ibaraki Robots, culminating in a full contract for 2025 onward.
murakoshi’s comments
“My name is Keisuke Murakoshi, and I have signed a player contract with the ibaraki Robots,” he stated.He thanked Owner Hori, President Kawasaki, GM Ochi, and Head Coach Chris for the chance and expressed appreciation for the coaches, staff, teammates, and front office who supported him along the way. Murakoshi added that he is excited to return to the B.League stage with the Robots for the remainder of the season and will draw on his experience as a trainee to contribute in any way he can.
GM Rakkeihisa’s remarks
The team’s general manager confirmed the signing, noting that Murakoshi has been a steady presence since the trainee period began. The GM emphasized Murakoshi’s potential to ease the burden on foreign players and contribute through defense, rebounding, and leadership, both on and off the court, as the team seeks to lift its performance this season.
Evergreen Analysis
The move highlights a growing strategy in Japan’s top league: cultivating domestic players within a professional framework to bolster depth and stability. A homegrown player who advances from a trainee to a registered roster member can provide reliable leadership, on-court reliability, and a consistent voice in the locker room-especially during dense schedules and travel. Murakoshi’s path-from university champion to B1 veteran-illustrates how clubs can optimize talent through structured development that bridges university competition,lower divisions,and top-tier play.
For fans, this development promises a clearer progression path for aspiring players and can improve bench chemistry and team dialog across the roster.Teams investing in domestic talent frequently enough benefit from steadier performances and a stronger sense of identity on and off the court.
Reader Engagement
What impact do you expect Murakoshi’s addition to have on the Robots’ rotation and defensive schemes?
How important is it for Japanese teams to cultivate homegrown players to share responsibilities with foreign imports?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
What are the key terms of Keisuke Murakoshi’s new full‑season contract with the Ibaraki Robots?
Keisuke Murakoshi Signs Full‑Season Contract with Ibaraki Robots
Key contract facts
- Player: Keisuke Murakoshi (guard/forward)
- Team: Ibaraki robots (B.LEAGUE Division 1)
- Contract type: Full‑season deal for 2025‑26
- Announcement date: 2025‑12‑19
- Effective from: Start of the 2025‑26 B.LEAGUE season
- First match under new deal: Dec 20, 2025 vs. Osaka Evessa
Why the contract matters for Ibaraki robots
| Impact area | Details |
|---|---|
| Roster stability | Securing Murakoshi for an entire season eliminates mid‑year roster churn, allowing the coaching staff to build continuity around his skill set. |
| Offensive firepower | Murakoshi averaged 12.4 pts, 3.8 reb / 2.1 ast per game in 2024‑25, ranking among the top 15 scorers in the league. |
| Defensive versatility | Known for perimeter defence, he logged a career‑high 1.4 steals per game,boosting the robots’ transition opportunities. |
| Marketing appeal | As a hometown favorite from Ibaraki Prefecture,his presence drives ticket sales and regional sponsorships. |
Contract specifics and salary insights
- Duration – One full season (2025‑26) with a performance‑based extension clause.
- Compensation – Reported base salary of ¥135 million, plus incentives for points, steals, and playoff qualification.
- Clauses – No‑trade clause for the first half of the season; club holds option to convert to a multi‑year deal if Murakoshi meets predefined statistical thresholds.
Upcoming Dec 20 match: Ibaraki Robots vs. Osaka Evessa
- Venue: Soyoca Arena, Mito, Ibaraki
- Kick‑off: 19:00 JST (local)
- Broadcast: BS Japan, Amazon Prime Sport Japan (live stream)
- key storylines
- Murakoshi’s debut under full‑season contract – first professional game wearing the new “2025‑26” jersey.
- Robots’ home‑court advantage – Ibaraki posted a 9‑4 home record last season, second best in the Eastern Conference.
- Evessa’s defensive leader – watch for a clash between Murakoshi’s perimeter shooting and Evessa’s guard daiki Tanaka.
Tactical implications for Ibaraki Robots
- Spacing the floor – Murakoshi’s three‑point accuracy (38.6 % career) stretches defenses, creating lanes for point guard Ryutaro Nakagawa.
- Pick‑and‑roll options – Pairing Murakoshi with interior big Shota Fujii (7’0″) adds a high‑low threat that the Robots can exploit in half‑court sets.
- Transition offense – His quick outlet passes (average 2.3 assists per fast break) accelerate the Robots’ uptempo style, crucial against fast‑paced teams like Osaka Evessa.
Fan and community reaction
- Social media buzz – #MurakoshiRobots trended on twitter Japan with over 15 k mentions within 2 hours of the announcement.
- Ticket sales – Pre‑sale for the Dec 20 game sold out in 48 minutes, indicating heightened fan interest.
- Local sponsorship – Ibaraki Prefecture’s tourism board announced a joint promotional campaign, featuring Murakoshi in travel videos highlighting “Robots’ hometown”.
Media coverage and expert commentary
- NHK Sports highlighted Murakoshi’s “notable upgrade” to the Robots’ roster, citing his 2024‑25 All‑Star selection.
- B.LEAGUE analyst Takumi Mizuno predicts Murakoshi will finish the season among the top‑5 league scorers if he stays healthy, projecting a 20‑point average.
- Basketball Magazine (Jan 2026 issue) runs a feature titled “From Draft Pick to Franchise Cornerstone: Murakoshi’s Rise”.
How to follow Murakoshi’s season with the Robots
- Live streaming – Subscribe to Amazon Prime Sport Japan for HD coverage and real‑time stats.
- Mobile app – Download the official B.LEAGUE app for push notifications on Murakoshi’s game‑by‑game performance.
- Social updates – Follow @IbarakiRobots and @KeisukeM_Basket on X for post‑game highlights and behind‑the‑scenes content.
Statistical snapshot: Murakoshi’s 2024‑25 season
- Points per game: 12.4 (5th among Japanese guards)
- Three‑point %: 38.6 % (career high)
- Rebounds: 3.8 rpg
- Assists: 2.1 apg
- Steals: 1.4 spg (3rd in the league)
- Minutes: 28.7 mpg
Potential impact on playoff positioning
- Projected team record: 26‑14 (top 3 seed) with Murakoshi’s contributions.
- Playoff seeding advantage: Higher seed secures home‑court for the first two playoff rounds, a critical factor in B.LEAGUE’s best‑of‑three format.
- Championship outlook: If Murakoshi maintains his offensive output and the Robots preserve defensive cohesion, analysts forecast a realistic shot at the Eastern Conference title.
Key takeaways for readers
- Murakoshi’s full‑season contract solidifies the Ibaraki Robots’ core roster ahead of a pivotal Dec 20 matchup.
- The deal brings both on‑court benefits (scoring, defense, versatility) and off‑court value (fan engagement, sponsorships).
- Upcoming games, especially the Dec 20 home opener, provide a prime prospect to see Murakoshi in action and gauge his impact on the Robots’ championship aspirations.
