Rui Hachimura of Washington Wizards, who had been away from the battlefield for “personal reasons” before the start of this season, will be on January 9th (10th Japan time).Finally back in the Orlando Magic matchdid.
Hachimura, who made his debut this season following participating in the match at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, scored 6 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, including 2 dunks, in regarding 14 minutes. , The team won 102-100 (20 wins and 20 losses).
After finishing the NBA’s 2020-21 season in June last year, Hachimura participated in the Tokyo Olympics as a member of the Japan Men’s Basketball National Team.August 1st once morest ArgentinaParticipated in 3 group phase games.After that, it seemed that preparations were being made for the NBA’s third season, which will start in late October, but on September 25 (26th).Wizards announces delay in joining training campWas done. It’s been regarding three and a half months since then, and I’ve finally returned to the NBA court.
Hachimura, who played in the NBA official match for the first time in 222 days since the day of the fifth round of the series with Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs last year, responded to questions from the media at a press conference following the match.
* Questions and answers in English in the first half and in Japanese in the second half. The question is an outline of the content. The English part is translated.
“I really missed basketball”
–Finally, I made a comeback.
Hachimura: It was wonderful. I was waiting for this moment. I had to rest a bit, but I’m happy to be back on the court and play with my friends. I missed this feeling. It was great.
–About the preparation so far.
Hachimura: Everyone supported me. I love the players, coaches and staff. Everyone helped me and it was great.
-About the play under the command of Wes Unseld Jr. head coach (who took office from this season).
Hachimura: I talked to him regarding basketball offense and defense. I also saw a lot of films. It’s working well and I like him.
–About the adaptation of the new coach to the new system.
Hachimura: We were near the team and we were practicing together. I also watched all the games. Some new forces have joined, but spending time with them and playing with them in practice has made it easier to adapt.
――Is it hard to watch the game from a distance?
Hachimura: I missed the feeling of the game. I’ve been away for 6 months since the Tokyo Olympics, so I wanted to play. I was waiting for this moment. I felt good today and told my coach that I was always ready. That’s why I played.
――What kind of adjustment do you make while you are withdrawing?
Hachimura: It’s an individual practice. I’ve been practicing with one of the team’s assistant coaches. I watched a lot of footage and tried to regain the good feeling of being with the team. I’ve been focusing on my own adjustments. The team was supportive and helped by coaches, Tommy (Shepherd GM) and (team owner Ted) Leonsis. I’m happy to be back in this way.
――Is this your first time away from basketball?
Hachimura: 100%, that’s right. I started playing basketball at the age of 13 and have been non-stop since then. It’s a little hard to explain, but it’s different (unlike the United States) because there’s no basketball season in Japan and you play all year round. So I never rested. Even during my college days (at Gonzaga University), I participated in the Japan national team during the summer. Last summer, I returned to Japan following the season and played for the Japan national team (at the Tokyo Olympics). It was tough. I’m finally calm down a little and I’m happy to be back on the court.
–What did you learn regarding yourself during your withdrawal?
Hachimura: I definitely learned a lot. I really missed basketball. I saw a lot of my highlight scenes (laughs). I also watched a game (of Wizards). I learned that I love basketball.
“I needed a rest.”
-Why did you feel ready today?
Hachimura: I don’t know. However, I felt that the condition was good. I mightn’t accompany the expedition to Chicago. However, I was able to accompany Orlando, and yesterday I did a little 3 to 3. I was in good shape and (Florida) the weather was good (laughs). So I felt it was time and told my coach.
–About the cause of withdrawal.
Hachimura: It was okay, but it’s personal. I don’t want to talk regarding that. It was great that the team understood my situation. I’ve been communicating (with the team) and Tommy has been very good, especially since I was nominated in the draft. I also love new coaches and new teammates and this team is a good group.
――What is the condition today?
Hachimura: It was good. I did 3 to 3 yesterday, and it was great that I felt good there. That’s why I thought today was the day to return.
――How did you feel following playing 14 minutes?
Hachimura: It was good. The condition was good and I was in good physical condition as I practiced with the team. I said it several times, but I missed this feeling. It was almost the first time I’ve played in front of fans since the new coronavirus (pandemic) happened because I wasn’t spectated last season. It was good.
――How do you want to tell the fans regarding the withdrawal period?
Hachimura: I needed a rest. As I’ve explained, crazy days have been going on since I was a kid. So I needed a day off. That’s all.
“I am very grateful to be able to play basketball once more.”
* The following is a question and answer session in Japanese.
–The season debut was victorious.
Hachimura: That’s good. I was able to return to the court like this, and the team is in a pretty tough state right now, but I’m glad I got the victory away like this.
――Isn’t it nice to stand on the court with your teammates?
Hachimura: I’ve been practicing with the team for a long time, and while talking with the players, I wanted to get back to the court as soon as possible, so I’m glad I got back to the court like this today.
――It’s been a long time since the actual battle hit and it became the actual production.
Hachimura: I’ve been practicing with the team for a long time, so I didn’t feel that much. I did 3 to 3 (practice) yesterday and was ready to play, so I decided to play today.
-Determining a dynamic dunk, inviting fouls, kicking out, and demonstrating power in the paint.
Hachimura: As a team, there are no five men (= center team) right now, so I thought I might have been able to play an active role in that kind of situation.
――It seemed that you were engaged with your teammates, but have you become accustomed to the Anseld HC system?
Hachimura: I’ve been practicing with the team for a long time. Also, I’ve been watching the game all the time. I’ve been doing it for a long time, imagining myself doing it (together), so I thought I might have done it that way.
――What kind of season do you want to have in the third year of NBA?
Hachimura: I started late, but I am very grateful that I can play basketball once more in this way. First of all, I would like to make a decision from there while getting used to the team so that I can return to the rhythm.
“Reconfirm that I really like basketball”
――What was it that you might reconfirm because of this gap?
Hachimura: I’ve been watching the game all the time and wanted to get back to the team as soon as possible. I came over a long time, but I’m happy to be able to continue playing basketball like this, and I’m happy to be able to return to the court once more. I reconfirmed that I really like basketball, and I thought once more.
――You said that you decided to participate because of good condition this morning, but is this the first time you feel that way?
Hachimura: I’ve always been a corona and had a cold. There were some places where I was feeling sick, so I mightn’t get enough to take it to the match. This time, I felt better following the corona, so I guess there.
–If it wasn’t Corona, was there a possibility of returning to the Miami Heat match on December 28, last year?
Hachimura: I hadn’t decided when to return to that point.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played a basketball game like this.”
――I think it’s your first experience to have such a blank space, but how did you feel when you stood on the court?
Hachimura: It was nice. I don’t think I’ve ever played a basketball game like this. I missed basketball myself, so I’m really happy to be back in this way.
――You became aggressive from the second quarter, but what made you start the engine?
Hachimura: I usually come back to the game myself and play with the team for the first time, so I tried to regain my senses. I thought that the (good) timing might be grasped in the (second) second quarter.
――Today, I was active inside and praised HC. How will you play in the middle range and long range in the future?
Hachimura: I think the middle range (shots) and three (point shots) are sensations, so I think the rhythm will match as the game goes on. I think (jumpers) will come in, so I’d like to adjust them little by little.
――Kyle Kuzma, who joined from this season, played an active part, but is it inspiring?
Hachimura: I’ve talked regarding how to do things even during practice because the position is similar to him. He also supported me in various ways, so I’m really happy to be able to play with him like this.
Interview & question-and-answer composition: Daisuke Sugiura @daisukesugiura