Tokyo United Basketball Club: A Peek Behind the Scenes
Ah, the Tokyo United Basketball Club (TUBC)! The shining star of B3, and quite the basketball soap opera if you ask me! Now in their third season, they’ve come out swinging, starting with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. They’re currently sitting pretty at 3rd place, right behind Iwate Big Bulls and Yokohama Excellence. Fancy that! Utter glory is just around the corner—let’s hope they don’t pull a classic football club move and miss promotion again! But, hey, maybe they just enjoy the thrill of the chase!
Meet TUBC’s Marvelous Trio of Trainers
Now, what really tickles my funny bone is TUBC’s “three trainer system.” You’d think it might be a basketball version of a harem drama, but no—these trainers are working like a well-oiled machine! So, what sorcery do they perform while the players are busy shooting hoops? In an enlightening chat, Head Trainer Ai Tamura laid down the law. Turns out, they deal with more than just “Run, jump, and try not to get tackled!” All the delicate matters of bodies—their food, injuries, maintenance, and even how much muscle mass the players can pack on—are their playground.
The Balancing Act of Nutrition
Ariake Arena was hopping with 9,385 fans when TUBC faced off against Iwate in their third game. And while those fans were busy munching popcorn, Tamura explained that their meal management is more laissez-faire than a chef working during a kitchen fire. “We leave it to ‘self-management,’” she said. I can just imagine players flipping the bird to their scales while shoving chocolate bars down their throats like it’s the Olympic event of the year. “Just be careful!” she declared, which ironically sounds like every dad ever while you balance on a wobbly bike.
The Sweet Rewards of Training
So what’s the cherry on top for these trainers? Matsumoto shared that it’s all about those sweet, sweet moments when players thank them for their hard work—kind of like getting a compliment from your mother-in-law after you’ve done the dishes. Osumi jumped in, gushing about feeling giddy when a player experiences success. “Simply hearing ‘thank you’ can boost my motivation!” he exclaimed. My dear friend, a few well-placed “thank yous” can change player-trainer dynamics from “who’s that?” to “I’d risk it all to get tacos with you!”
The Dark Side: Struggles of the Trainers
But wait—life isn’t all rainbows and free throws! Tamura sucked in her breath, reminiscent of Dionne Warwick belting out a power ballad. “There are a lot of difficulties,” she sighed. If things don’t go as planned and an injury lingers like an unwanted suitor, blame games can ensue. What happens then? “Oh, the agony!” you can hear her say, possibly while clutching a tiny basketball pillow for comfort. Meanwhile, the newbies like Osumi are desperately trying to keep up, feeling as lost as a kitten in a dog park.
Decision-Making: The Ultimate Balancing Act
Ah, the joy of decision-making—where trainers become the real MVPs, juggling players’ desires with the team’s best outcomes! Tamura explained how tricky it is when players insist they must play—even on one leg! “It’s my job to say ‘No you can’t!’” She must feel like a parent going through the “just one more episode” struggle with their kid. Tamura aims to listen and weigh what players say versus the actual state of their bodies. Because let’s face it, players may not realize they’re not a superhero—until they crash land.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations
As the interview wrapped, the trainers expressed their dreams of promotion to B2. Matsumoto aims for the stars: “That’s the goal, regardless of whether I sweep the court or not!” Meanwhile, Osumi wants the full rookie experience, even if that means sweeping the court for his seniors. Tamura chimed in, “I want to win!” And who can blame her? After all, victory tastes like cotton candy at a fair—sweet and utterly blissful!
So, as we await TUBC’s next game, let’s remember these incredible trainers working tirelessly behind the scenes. They may not wear the flashy jerseys, but their job is certainly nothing short of heroic. Now, if only they could manage to get those players to eat their veggies instead of those enticing chocolate bars, we’d really be onto something!
Thank you, TUBC! And may your journey be filled with well-earned victories and glorious snacks!
Tokyo United Basketball Club (TUBC), now in its third season in the B3 league, has showcased remarkable performance since its inception. As of the conclusion of the 4th round, TUBC boasts an impressive record of 5 wins and just 1 loss, positioning them securely at 3rd in the league standings, trailing only behind the Iwate Big Bulls and Yokohama Excellence. This impressive run signals a potential breakthrough for TUBC, especially after the heartbreak of narrowly missing promotion despite clinching playoff spots in each of the previous two seasons. Notably, their third game of the season against Iwate attracted a staggering crowd of 9,385 fans, making it the highest attendance for a B3 game this season at their home venue, the Ariake Arena. In this edition of “Lovespo,” we delve into an exclusive interview with TUBC, one of the league’s most beloved teams! Our focus this time is on head trainer Ai Tamura, alongside trainers Nana Matsumoto and Kohei Osumi, who form the backbone of this dynamic team.
–TUBC has pioneered a “three trainer system,” an approach not commonly seen in B3. Could you elaborate on the specific roles and responsibilities involved?
Tamura: Every team has its unique methodology, but for TUBC, our focus primarily revolves around holistic player health and well-being. This encompasses nutritional guidance, including dietary choices and supplementation; rehabilitation strategies for injuries; fatigue management techniques; training support aimed at enhancing physical condition; and precise weight management, specifically focusing on muscle mass.
–It’s quite diverse. Will meals be closely controlled?
Tamura: While I recognize the importance of diet, it’s essential to remember that each athlete comes with their family dynamics, meaning we cannot enforce strict meal controls. Naturally, I monitor aspects like body fat percentage and provide tailored advice to players who may need to adjust their weight, but I encourage a level of “self-management.” It’s crucial not to over-manage as it can lead to additional stress. Some teams may check in by asking players to send photos of their meals, but TUBC prefers to empower players with autonomy, advising them to “exercise caution.” This approach helps foster a supportive environment.
Matsumoto: The most rewarding aspect of my role as a trainer is witnessing the players’ positive responses to the support we offer. For instance, when a player approaches me saying, “I have a little soreness,” and then goes on to perform exceptionally well in a match, that’s when I feel genuinely fulfilled. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts, even those that may seem minor, contribute positively to both the team and the individual players.
Osumi: I share a similar sentiment with Nana; nothing is more gratifying than seeing a player excel in a game and play a key role in securing a victory for the team. Additionally, simple acknowledgments like hearing “thank you” from a player during everyday interactions can be a huge motivational boost for us as trainers.
–On the other hand, what is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Matsumoto: Certainly, there are challenges we face; it can be tough when an athlete’s recovery isn’t progressing as anticipated, despite exhaustive efforts to manage their injury.
Osumi: As a newcomer, I sometimes grapple with feelings of inadequacy, especially regarding my current level of basketball knowledge. I’m committed to learning and often seek guidance from my experienced colleagues.
Tamura: Being the head trainer entails many decisions that can have significant implications. Hence, I always gather comprehensive information prior to making any pivotal choices.
–What does “judgment” entail on your part?
Tamura: The crux of it revolves around determining a player’s readiness to participate in a match. Understandably, players are eager to compete, but it’s my responsibility as a trainer to assess their condition critically. The decision to allow a player to participate or to hold them back often rests on evaluating various factors, including both individual health and team dynamics.
–Are there times when trainers override a player’s desire to participate, even if they insist they are ready?
Tamura: Absolutely, this situation arises frequently. For example, veteran player Satoshi Miyata sometimes feels a strong desire to play, but as a trainer, my aim is to ensure his longevity. While veterans possess an intuitive understanding of their bodies based on years of experience, it’s important that I listen to these insights and collaborate with players in decision-making rather than simply dismissing their wishes.
–Finally, could you share your aspirations and goals for the future as trainers?
Matsumoto: Our unified goal is clear: achieving “B2 promotion,” an ambition that transcends my individual role as a trainer. I’m dedicated to playing my part in this journey.
Osumi: As this is my debut season with a professional team, I aspire to not only witness what it feels like to achieve B2 promotion but also to actively support the players while absorbing as much knowledge from my seasoned colleagues as possible.
Tamura: Ultimately, my goal is a resounding victory for our team. Having been with TUBC since its inception, I recognize that this upcoming season is our last opportunity to secure promotion, so I am determined to collaborate closely with my teammates to make this ambition a reality.
–thank you very much!
Photo provided by TUBC
Written by Yuki Hanada
Game or training session. Players often have a tendency to underestimate their injuries and push through pain, insisting they’re ready to play. My role is to assess their physical condition critically and, when necessary, to intervene and tell them, “No, you can’t go on.” It’s a bit like being a parent trying to limit screen time for your child—tough love is often required to ensure their long-term wellbeing.
–And as we look towards the future, what goals does the team, and each of you personally, hope to achieve?
Matsumoto: Our primary goal remains promotion to B2; that’s what we are striving towards this season, regardless of the tasks at hand. Personally, I aspire to fine-tune my skills as a trainer and find effective ways to contribute to the players’ overall success on and off the court.
Osumi: For me, being a rookie means soaking up as much knowledge as possible. I aim to learn from my colleagues while also proving myself and contributing to the team. Even if that means doing a lot of the less glamorous tasks, like sweeping the court, I’m all in for the growth experience.
Tamura: Winning is my ultimate ambition—not just for the team, but also for the players I support. I want to see them excel and achieve their dreams, which in turn reflects as our team’s success. Victory is like that coveted prize at the end of a long journey; it’s what we all work for and hope to savor together.
In closing, TUBC is not just a basketball team—it’s a nurturing ecosystem where trainers, players, and fans work hand in hand toward success. It’s a delightful dance of hard work, determination, and heartwarming accolades that keeps everyone motivated and striving for more. As we cheer on TUBC, let’s acknowledge the pivotal role that trainers play behind the scenes: the unsung heroes who ensure that every player can perform at their best, even if it means reminding them to balance those tempting chocolate bars with a few servings of veggies!
Thank you, TUBC! Here’s to your journey filled with not just hard-fought victories, but also plenty of delectable snacks along the way!
