2023-06-22 13:05:58
Thank you for always supporting Zenryoku to Levanga Hokkaido.
Today, regarding #11 Ryota Sakurai, we held a press conference to announce the continuation of the contract and the retirement of the active player for the 2023-24 season, so we will inform you of the details.
Click here for contract continuation and retirement announcement in 2023-24 season
Sakurai player profilehere
#11 Ryota Sakurai Comment
“I have decided to contract with Levanga Hokkaido for the 2023-24 season as well.
I would like to inform you that I have decided that this new season will be my last season as a player. ”
●As a player, please tell us how you feel now.
“For many seasons, the idea of ‘retirement’ crossed my mind, but after playing last season, it is difficult to explain in words, but the feeling that ‘I can retire’ next season. I think I can retire with a clean heart and no regrets.
However, I will be competing in my final season, so rather than retiring, I am more excited about being able to play at Levanga Hokkaido, what the team will be like, and how the team will be built. its big.
A few years ago, I had ankle surgery every offseason for several years in a row, and there was a season when my performance and condition plummeted.
At that time, I felt that I could do more, but I couldn’t find a way to play well.
Last season, there was an injury timing for a player in the same position, so I trusted him and gave me playing time. I feel like I’m going to have a good time.
However, one of the reasons I decided to retire was that even though I was in good condition, I couldn’t keep up with my image.
It’s different from how I played when I was younger, but I’d like to carry on the good feeling I had last season into the new season, and play in front of everyone who supports me so that I can contribute to the team’s victory. ”
●You have a long history of 16 seasons in Hokkaido, and there are still new seasons.
“It is difficult to decide the best, but what comes to mind is the difficulty of establishing Levanga Hokkaido.
It was hard for me, but I think the hardest part was the people around me who supported me and the people who helped me with the show.
We felt that we were allowed to play with the support of many people, including sponsors who supported us in difficult circumstances.
Also, when I decided to enter B1…I remember the painful and difficult things, but I am most glad that I came to Hokkaido. ”
●What kind of play do you want to show in the last season?
“Personally, I’m still doing what I’ve been doing.
As Levanga Hokkaido, as a team, I think we have come this far without being able to imagine “This is the kind of team.”
I think it’s difficult to suddenly win the championship when building a strong team.
In order to create a team that can produce stable results over a long period of time, and to become a team that will continue to be supported, even if the team does not have outstanding talent, all members of the team must create a team that can carry out the team’s tactics. I think it is necessary to continue
I would like you to make the 2023-24 season the first step and create the culture of Levanga Hokkaido from there. ”
●I think it’s going to be a season where young players need to be inspired, but what about that?
“There are a lot of good players with potential.
Since it’s the last time, I don’t have anything to show, and I’ve been doing that kind of thing all along.
I want to be a team that can do the obvious things, and I want them to think that they are glad that they have been able to work together with Sakurai in the final season by showing them how well they are doing their daily practice. ”
●A message from Mr. Sakurai, who faces the new season, to basketball fans in Hokkaido and all over the country.
“When I was younger, I don’t know what to say, but I think I was able to play in a way that excited everyone who watched me with my physical ability. However, as I got older and injured, I gradually became unable to do that and began to think about retiring.
In the final season, I would like to be part of Levanga Hokkaido’s tactical strategy, where the team will be active and achieve results, and I will be a part of the team that people want to support.
As you can see from last season’s home win percentage, the team is still not able to win without the support of the fans. I think. ”
●Why did you decide to stay in Hokkaido until you finished playing as a player?
“I played for Toyota Motor Alvark for two seasons from my rookie season, and I think the number of visitors at that time was in the hundreds.
From there, I moved to Hokkaido, and when I played my first match at Kitayel, I saw the stadium filled with thousands of fans. I realized that playing in front of people cheering me on gave me a lot of energy, and that playing in Hokkaido became something special for me. I was.
I have had the opportunity to transfer a few times, but I came here because I wanted to stay in Hokkaido, even if the offer was high and the conditions were good.
There are various reasons, but I have always thought that Hokkaido has a lot of potential. I still think Levanga can be the brightest team in the league even after they’re gone.
At Toyota Motor Alvark, I was able to experience winning the league championship, the Emperor’s Cup, and the title when I was a rookie.
The reason why I moved to Hokkaido from there is that I wanted to create a team that can win with myself playing a central role. It goes against my initial thoughts, and that is one of the reasons why I continued to play in Hokkaido.
However, I think the simplest reason is that Hokkaido was good, so I kept doing it there. ”
●Since you moved to Hokkaido in 2007, you have been leading Hokkaido. What do you think of Hokkaido’s fans and boosters for Sakurai?
“It’s not an exaggeration or anything, I think that’s everything.
He was very kind and always supported me and supported me.
It was the timing to decide whether or not to enter B1, and the people who supported the club pushed the club forward.
In the last season, I think that I have to play in a way that does not disappoint everyone’s expectations, and I would like to play in a way that meets their expectations and achieve good results. ”
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