#masashi joho

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Rising Suns in the mix!

Check the official Jordan Brand trailer from Quai 54 2011. Great to be a part of this incredible event for our third year in a row. 

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Rising Suns @ Quai 54 2011: Footlocker 3-point Shootout

The NBA's greatest three point shooter of all time Ray Allen was on court to oversee the Quai 54 2011 Footlocker 3-point shootout this year. Our Rising Suns shooting guard Masashi Joho got the call to represent Japan in the event. Allen watched him drain 11 points, putting him just one shot away from qualifying for the final round on Sunday. Remember our guy D-Mak finished the same way last year.  Another tough break. But it was definitely fun to see our Rising Suns teammates get behind Joho and give him some support.

Hanging with Ray was a great honor as well. Now we've got to keep rising and hope we can pass to the final round next year! Gotta break that streak.  

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Masashi Joho SG, 6'0" Pro career: Osaka Evessa  bj League Championship, 2005-06　 Osaka Evessa/All-Star team selection & bj League Championship, 2006-07 Tokyo Apache, 2007-09 Shiga Lakestars, 2009-11

1) Can you let the fans know a little about your background as a player, and some important highlights for you, personally?

Masashi: I've been playing in the bj league the past six years with some great teams in Osaka, Tokyo and Shiga. Winning those two league championship with Osaka has to be my greatest personal highlight thus far.

2) Do you have some other interests aside from basketball?  

Masashi: Right now, I am not doing much outside the game. Whenever I can, I do some work helping with local basketball clinics for kids.

3) With the Quai 54 tournament less than a week away, how are you feeling about this big chance to represent Japan? How are you getting yourself prepared for that? 

Masashi: This will be my first time to play in a world championship tournament like this. I just want to face up against the other countries with a strong effort, and do our best to win the game. 世界大会は初めてだけど、他の国には負けない強い気持ちを持ってゲームしたい。

4) Is there anything we can do with this Rising Suns team, using sports to support Japan's recovery from the March 11th earthquake?

Masashi: I want to remind the world that we still have our sense of pride. With this team, I'd like to show that Japan is standing strong despite this earthquake, and that we are not giving up.  日本人が世界で戦ってるのをみて誇りに思って欲しい。日本は地震にも負けない強い気持ちを思っていることを世界の人に知って欲しい。

Thanks for the interview, Masashi. Can't wait to see you guys hold it down in Paris this year, for all Japan! Back again with more interviews and Quai 54 tournament updates. Rising Fans, we appreciate the continued support for our team. Please keep that awesome energy coming!

Rising Suns JPN