Making a Slam Dunk in Sports Tech!
Ah, the sweet sound of basketballs bouncing, the cheers of passionate fans, and a tech startup that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Today, let’s talk about ookami and their ambitious new venture—real-time updates for the Japan national team during the FIBA Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers. It sounds brilliant, doesn’t it? I mean, finally I can ignore my family while I obsessively check scores on an app I can’t even pronounce properly. “Player!” Seriously, who comes up with these names? If only I could get a refund for all those ‘Player!’ tweets I sent trying to figure it out.
The qualifiers kick off on November 21, 2024, against the Mongolia national team at something called the Nikkan Arena Tochigi. I have no idea where that is, but rest assured, in the world of sports tech, it means you won’t have to miss a single moment of the action thanks to this nifty app. And mark your calendars, because Japan will also be taking on Guam three days later. Guam. You can practically hear the coaches planning their beach escape on the sidelines there!
The Power of Updates: Will I Still Have to Use My Brain?
Let’s give it to ookami, they’re really hitting the nail on the head with Player!—it’s like a Swiss army knife for sports fans. Want breaking news? Check. Live updates? Check. Feeling a bit neglected by your professional sports teams? Join the club, but at least ‘Player!’ is here to fill that void! They’re even looking for distribution partners across various levels of sporting talent. I’d like to apply for the position of “amateur spectator”—the requirements seem like a great fit.
Speaking of versatility, Tom Horvath must be the most chill coach ever. After all, he’s steering the ship for a team that pushed the formidable French national team to the edge last month. And what’s his motto? “Our work and journey is far from over.” Who does he think he is—Yoda? But really, if the Japan national team can keep that spirit alive, the sky’s the limit. They’ve got four years till LA 2028, folks, which is practically an eternity in sports years—plenty of time to dodge their tickets for overpriced popcorn.
For Everyone, Not Just the Pros
But let’s dive deeper into what makes Player! tick. Not content with just handling the major leagues, ookami is reaching down into local communities to support the “little guys.” You know, the teams that don’t have the luxury of massage therapists and team psychologists. Instead, they get a coach who doubles as a dad and tape enthusiast! Kudos to ookami for making sports more inclusive and fun. It’s like Tinder for sports teams—swipe right if you’re into them, swipe left if you find out they can’t even dribble.
Now, I’m not saying that the world needs 500 more basketball leagues, but have you heard their slogan? “Bringing sports diversity to this world.” I can imagine the boardroom now: “Why not diversify with unicycling rugby?!” It’s got a ring to it, right?
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright (And Hopefully Not Like My Last Date!)
So whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or someone who just likes the idea of community sports bringing people together, Player! and ookami are certainly stepping it up. Their app could turn even the most casual viewer into a hardcore fan faster than you can say “three-pointer.” It’s an exciting time to be an armchair athlete, folks—just make sure your seat is comfy, because there’s a whole lotta tech action coming your way!
Let’s all get behind the Japan national basketball team—because if they win, we win too! And remember, this isn’t just about the games; it’s about experiencing the thrill of sports in a way that’s tailored to you…and hopefully without too many cringe-worthy moments like trying to pronounce “FIBA” while on a date. Good luck with that!
ookami, an innovative sports startup, is set to deliver real-time updates for every match involving the Japan national basketball team during the highly anticipated FIBA Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, commencing on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Fans can follow these exciting developments on the sports entertainment app “Player!”, which endeavors to showcase the pinnacle of Asian basketball competition. Let’s rally together to support our national heroes on Player!!
The Japanese national basketball team embarks on a new journey as it prepares to compete for glory. Recently, it was announced that Tom Horvath will retain his position as head coach, expressing his enthusiasm with the statement, “Our work and journey is far from over, and I look forward to tackling the challenges that lie ahead.” Following a promising trajectory, the team has captured the hearts of fans, evidenced by its close encounter with the French national team, which brought home the silver medal from the Paris Olympics. The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begins anew for these talented athletes.
FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifying ~Window2~
2024/11/21(Thu) 19:00~
Japan National Team vs Mongolia National Team at Nikkan Arena Tochigi (Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)
2024/11/24 (Sun) 14:00~
Japan National Team vs. Guam National Team at University of Guam Field House (Guam)
Player! serves as a leading tournament distribution platform, simplifying the dissemination of match information for all sports enthusiasts. The platform is actively seeking distribution partners from various sectors, including amateur teams, student clubs, and local sports organizations. Should you encounter challenges in public relations, marketing, or fan engagement, Player! is here to offer assistance.
In a world where disparities in sports popularity exist, Player! champions a broader vision. It is a platform where individuals can discover, nurture, and support their favorite sports on a personal level. The focus shifts from traditional mass sports to a more inclusive landscape where everyone can engage with their passions, driving a more vibrant sporting community.
Our mission at ookami is to “bring one smile to the world through sports.” The advent of “Player! WHITE” aims to elevate local sports teams’ potential, giving them the resources and time to thrive and truly shine in their communities. Currently embraced by over 200 teams, we look forward to our continued growth.
▶︎Company name: ookami Co., Ltd. / ookami, Inc.
▶︎Head office: 1-21-8 Hanegi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
▶︎Representative: Taiyo Ogata
▶︎Business details: Development and operation of sports community apps “Player!” and “Player! WHITE”, development and operation of sports information infrastructure
▶︎History:
April 2014 Established ookami Co., Ltd.
April 2015: Released “Player!”, which visualizes all matches
December 2015 App Store Best of 2015 Award
September 2016 Received the 2016 Good Design Award
April 2019: Founder Ogata/Nakamura selected as one of the 30 people representing Asia in Forbes Asia Under30
October 2019 Received Forbes JAPAN SPORTS BUSINESS AWARD 2019
December 2019 Ruby biz Grand Prix 2019 Special Award
February 2021 Awarded the Japan Sports Agency’s “INNOVATION LEAGUE Contest”
February 2022 Awarded the Japan Sports Agency’s “INNOVATION LEAGUE Contest” for the second consecutive year
February 2022 “Player! WHITE” released to accelerate the team’s DX
What are the key features of the Player! app that enhance the fan experience during international basketball competitions?
**Title: Making a Slam Dunk in Sports Tech! An Interview with Ookami’s CEO**
**Interviewer**: Hey there! Thanks for joining us. With the FIBA Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers just around the corner, the buzz around Ookami and the Player! app is electrifying. Can you tell us a bit more about how your team came up with the idea for real-time updates for the Japan national basketball team?
**CEO of Ookami**: Absolutely! We recognized that fans crave timely updates, especially when they’re invested in their teams. Our goal was to create a platform that not only delivers live scores and news but also fosters a deeper connection between fans and the sport. Players! is all about keeping enthusiasts engaged, no matter where they are.
**Interviewer**: That makes sense! Sports tech can often bridge the gap between fans and the games they love. So, how do you envision the experience for users during the qualifiers?
**CEO of Ookami**: Users can expect a seamless experience with real-time notifications, in-depth game statistics, and even behind-the-scenes content. We want to ensure that fans feel like they’re part of the action, not just spectators. With matches scheduled against Mongolia and Guam, we’re excited to see how fans rally around our national team!
**Interviewer**: Speaking of the national team, Tom Horvath seems to have the right mindset going into these qualifiers. How does his leadership influence the overall spirit of the app and the fan experience?
**CEO of Ookami**: Tom’s positivity is infectious! His approach embodies our mission at Ookami—to motivate and inspire sports communities. We want Player! to reflect that same energy. By highlighting stories from players and their journeys, we hope to create a sense of camaraderie among fans as they support their athletes.
**Interviewer**: That’s a great outlook! Also, you mentioned expanding the focus of Player! beyond just professional leagues. Can you elaborate on how you plan to support amateur teams and local sports?
**CEO of Ookami**: Definitely! We believe in the power of grassroots sports and the potential they have in fostering local communities. Player! will be collaborating with amateur teams and local organizations to provide them with a platform for visibility. It’s our way of giving back and encouraging a diverse range of sports activities—like your idea of unicycling rugby!
**Interviewer**: Ha! That would certainly get people talking. Now, before we wrap up, what advice would you give to someone hesitant about diving into the world of sports tech?
**CEO of Ookami**: Embrace it! Whether you’re just a casual viewer or a dedicated fan, technology can enhance your experience. Look for platforms that truly cater to your interests and make sports more accessible. With innovations like Player!, sports can be enjoyed in ways that were previously unimaginable.
**Interviewer**: Fantastic insights! Thank you for sharing your vision with us today, and best of luck with Player! during the qualifiers!
**CEO of Ookami**: Thank you! We’re excited to see how the season unfolds and hope to make every fan’s experience a memorable one. Let’s support the Japan national basketball team together!
