After two seasons with the Koshigaya Alphas, Inoue Soichiro gained a lot of learning and experience. I reaffirmed “what is a professional basketball player” and began to feel the difference in the level of B1 and B2. The 26-year-old, who is still aiming to further advance while still using his 3-point shot, has moved to Sendai 89ERS this season. He spoke of his determination to improve himself in a new environment and contribute to the team.
“I was able to reaffirm what a professional basketball player is.”
──How did you spend this off-off session?
I was building my body endlessly (lol). My muscle strength has improved, and my body fat percentage has not changed and I have increased by about 5kg. I’ll do my best physically this season!
–What impact did your experience at Koshigaya, playing two seasons, have had on Inoue’s career?
I was able to reaffirm what a professional basketball player is. At Koshigaya, I was taught to provide guidance in the smallest details, such as defense, offense, and spacing, without slacking off, which was a huge learning experience, and there were many things I’m glad I realized early in my career.
──You also experienced promotion to B1 in the 2023-24 season.
Due to an injury from a foreign player, we were unable to win the championship in the end, but it was a proud thing for us as the Koshigaya Alphas and Saitama Prefecture professional basketball team to be able to achieve our big goal of being promoted to B1. And I also felt that I was truly honored to be part of that team. However, I also felt that I still have to grow. In my second year, I learned once again the difference in the level between B1 and B2 and I felt like, “It’s not possible to continue like this.”
──What are the B1 and B2?Did you feel the difference?
Of course, there is a huge financial gap, and I felt that there is a difference in responsibility as a player. Of course, there are good teams in B2, but the level of B1, especially foreign players, was significantly different. As Ryuzo (head coach Anzai Ryuzo) often said, winning teams have a unique culture, or rather a strong culture. I have the impression that a truly strong team will not only remain strong even if the players change, but will not only become even stronger.
“I felt that it was impossible to do it if I wasn’t me.”
──I imagine there must have been many offers, but what was the reason why you decided to go to Sendai?
Because I felt the most passion. To be honest with other teams, I sometimes felt that “I don’t have to be myself, isn’t it?”, but when I saw Sendai’s presentation, I felt that “it has to be me.” It was also great that they gave us plenty of time to talk to the head coach.
──What kind of impression do you have of the team?
The members and head coaches have changed and I think they have just taken a new step. I think it’s a team that can aim for higher goals, so as part of that, I would like to continue to achieve results from my first year.
— At Koshigaya, he has contributed to the team with a variety of plays, including shooting from inside and outside.Is there likely a change in the roles required in Sendai?
I don’t think the basic role will change much, but I think there will be more and more to be required. Among these, I think it’s important to know how much you can improve your strong points.
–Inoue’s unique feature is his 3-point shot. What other plays would you like to contribute to the team?
What do you do when you can’t take a 3-point shot? I have outside shots, so I think people in the same position can get spacing, and there are many things I can do, such as cutting and screening, even on the opposite side where there is no ball. I don’t have many ideas right now, but I think that head coach Dan Tashney, who is in the NBA, has a lot of drawers, so I’d like to know.
As a player, I want to continue learning for the rest of my life
──Inoue, who has a strong advantage in outside shooting with his 201cm upper back, is an exceptional Japanese big man in the B League. Please tell us about the trigger that made you feel like becoming a professional, and what was your experience of influence in building your current playing style.
When I was in my second year of high school, I saw on TV that the JBL and the BJ League were merged and the B League was established, and I realized that the professional basketball league had finally been established and that the place I had set up was a place I was aiming for in earnest. In college, there were years when I won, while there were years when I couldn’t get results. I also remember feeling anxious about the future, especially in my third and fourth years, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, training was restricted and the B League was suspended.
When I was a student, I often watched international matches. Seeing European players hitting three points even in big men, I was clearly thinking about “expanding the range of shots I had originally liked to three points and using it as a weapon.”
──Do you have any ideals or goals you’re aiming for as a professional player?
I hope to grow steadily and win in my 30s. I would like to continue to grow both mentally and skillfully, and ultimately commit to how much I can contribute to the championship.
–It is said to be “around 30s,” but it also feels like a goal that can be set right now.
I think it’s not just a player who can make the team win, but I think it’s the stage where I can contribute to the team and become a source of strength. I would like to continue to raise that stage. And I would like to be a part of the Japanese national team when they achieve the highest results. As a team, I really want to win. I have never experienced a championship yet, so I would like to take a big step forward together with Sendai.
–I’m currently 26 years old.You still want to grow.
I agree. It’s like, “I want to continue learning for the rest of my life.” It’s easy to see that you’ll be able to play basketball, so I feel like I’ll try my best. I probably can’t do more than others, so it’s fun to be able to do it little by little.
──Finally, please give a message to everyone who supports you.
This is my first time living in Tohoku, but I’m from Sapporo so I think I’m pretty strong in cold places (lol). People in Tohoku often hear that the weather is “hot” because it’s cold, so I hope that the venue will liven up. I look forward to meeting you all at Xebio Arena Sendai, truly wonderful venue.
