First Introduction of WKBL Japanese Player System, Half Successful in First Half of First Half Evaluation
Dec 18, 2024
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In June, the WKBL held a draft for Asian quarter players in Tokyo, Japan. Twelve players applied for this draft. Former Japanese women's basketball national team member Rika Tanimura (Incheon Shinhan Bank), Iijima Saki (Busan BNK), Yurina Watabe, Yuzuki Ishida (Bucheon Hana One Q), Mitsuki Hirano (Yongin Samsung Life Insurance), Moe Nagata, Moe Shida (Cheongju KB Stars), Momona Miyasaka, Natsuki Sunagawa (Asan Woori Bank) were selected.
The evaluation at the halfway point is split in half. An official from A said "The domestic player base is not thick. Japanese players play a role in filling the squad, which is positive. However, since the system was first introduced, it is insufficient. There were not many players in the draft, so the choice was narrow." An official from B also said, `A Japanese player is coming and competing with a Korean player. It's positive that it's stimulating. However, Japanese players need harmony to be more helpful to the team. I needed an organically moving part, but I didn't have enough time to fit my hands and feet." A C official said, `It is true that there is no significant impact. Foreign players acted as variables in the game. But the Japanese players who came to Korea in the Asian quarter are not at that level."
In fact, only two players, Moe Nagata (average 12.57 points-6.79 rebounds) and Rika Tanimura (average 12.36 points-6.18 rebounds), ranked in the top 10 in average scoring and rebounding.
WKBL will enter the second half of the race starting with the match between Samsung Life Insurance and KB on January 1 next year. The evaluation of Japanese players can change again depending on how well they work together during the All-Star break.
epi17@sportschosun.com
