Chiba Jets won 102-69 against Anyang Jeonggwanjang in the EASL (East Asian Super League) 2023-2024 season Group A preliminary round held at Anyang Gymnasium on the 13th. Foreign player John Mooney (22 points, 22 rebounds, 5 assists) dominated the scoring, and ace Togashi Yuki (20 points, 6 3-pointers, 5 assists) played an active role on the perimeter. With this win, they maintained first place in Group A with 4 consecutive wins.
Here is another key player in victory. Kanechika showed off his presence on the outskirts. Kanechka played 24 minutes and 11 seconds, recording 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. He hit 5 out of 9 3-point shots and attacked the outskirts of Jeonggwanjang.
Kanechika, born in 2003, is one of the most promising players in Japan. His height is 196cm and his advantage is an accurate 3-point shot. He has stood out since his school days and has consistently participated in national teams of different age groups, including U16 and U19. Last February, at the age of 20, he was selected for the senior national team. In July, he also played in an exhibition match against the Korean men's basketball team held at the Jamsil Student Gymnasium.
Kanechka made a name for himself in Iran's 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifier match against Iran on February 23. At the time, he played well with 20 points and 2 rebounds, including 6 3-point shots. He showed incredible play for a 20-year-old player. Japan, led by Kanechika, defeated Iran 96-61.
Kanechika, who joined Chiba ahead of this season, has been receiving opportunities to play since his debut season. He averaged 8.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17 minutes and 25 seconds in 18 B. League regular league games. His long-standing 3-point shot averages 2.0 shots, and his success rate is a whopping 43.9%, showing off his ability to make high-sensitivity outside shots.
Kanechika showed off his unstoppable play against Jeong Kwan-jang. Whenever a chance arose on the outskirts, he boldly took a shot. He also connected the offensive rebounds grabbed by Mooney into three-point shots one after another. He and Togashi combined to hit 11 3-pointers, destroying Jeong Kwan-Jang's perimeter defense.
After the game, Chiba coach John Patrick said, “I have accumulated a long period of leadership experience in Europe and Japan. Two of my sons are professional athletes, and I taught them both. He also coached Maxi Kleber (Dallas), who plays in the NBA, and Ariel Hookpotty (Melbourne), who plays in the NBL. “I have taught many young players, so I have the know-how to raise Kanechika,” he said.
He continued, “It is important for young players to quickly adapt to the adult stage. My plan is to grow step by step by competing with players who are better than me. “I also try to constantly encourage them so they don’t lose confidence,” he added.
Kanechika, a promising player who showed his worth against Jeong Kwan-jang. If he continues his steady growth like now, he may be able to secure a starting spot on the Japanese men's basketball team in the next few years. This is why we must remember Kanechika's name to see what kind of play he will show in the future.
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