Kyoto Hannaryz guard Yuta Okada doesn't play in one of Japan's biggest media markets, but throughout the country, B.League fans are familiar with his talent and productivity.
Okada had back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22 that were a King Kong-size reminder of his ability to impact a basketball game.
The Kyoto native scored a game-high 33 points in the series opener against the Koshigaya Alphas in the Hannaryz's 92-84 road victory. He made 11 of 19 shots from the floor, including 5 of 9 on 3-point attempts, and handed out three assists.
The score was knotted at 65-65 entering the fourth quarter. Kyoto outscored the hosts 27-15 in the final period, including nine points from Okada.
After the game, Kyoto coach Roy Rana told reporters that Okada's banner performance was a key factor in the win. Most notably, Okada poured in 18 of the Hannaryz's 37 points in the second quarter. He made 7 of 8 shots in the high-paced period.
"I'm glad we were able to win the game even though the flow of the game was not good at times," Okada said in the postgame press conference.
Determination Pays Off for Yuta Okada
What was the catalyst for Okada in the series opener?
"I missed a layup at the beginning of the game, and I felt like I was going to do the opposite," he admitted. "So I became aggressive and attacked."
With Okada as one of the team's tone-setting performers, the Hannaryz closed out the game with a strong effort in the final 10 minutes.
"In the fourth quarter, we were able to do what we needed to do, mentally and calmly," Rana said at Koshigaya City Gymnasium. "And I think Okada's good performance throughout the game also contributed to this result."
Another Big Game for Yuta Okada
Okada followed up his series-opening performance with 30 points, leading all players in that category in Kyoto's 96-80 triumph a day later. He sank 3 of 6 from long range, and he converted 11 of 12 foul shots, capitalizing on the scoring opportunities he had.
The 189-cm combo guard is a crucial part of the Hannaryz's improved play this season. Through Sunday, Kyoto and the Osaka Evessa are tied for the third-best record (13-11) in the Western Conference. The Shimane Susanoo Magic (15-9) and the Ryukyu Golden Kings (17-7) are ahead of them in the win department.
Kyoto has won four of its last five games, including three straight, heading into the final weekend of 2024. Furthermore, the Hannaryz have a solid 7-7 record on the road.
According to Satoru Maeta, Okada's backcourt mate, one important factor for the team is its emphasis on making contributions in all facets of the game.
"Our strength this season has been that we have a new hero every day," Maeta told reporters on December 15. "So even when we are not shooting the ball, I think the best thing we can do is contribute with defense, rebounding, etc., and help the team win."
Yuta Okada is the B.League's Top Japanese Scorer
In the 2023-24 season, Okada's first with his hometown team, the Hannaryz went 17-43. He averaged 12.8 points and a career-high 6.4 assists.
Now, in Rana's third season at the helm, Okada is scoring at a career-best 16.8 points-per-game clip while averaging 5.5 assists in 24 games.
He is the highest-scoring Japanese player in the B.League this season and No 11 overall. Chiba Jets captain Yuki Togashi, a perennial All-Star, is 26th in points per game at 14.9. In addition, Okada, who played for the Shinshu Brave Warriors from 2021-23, is seventh in assists.
When the calendar flips to January 2025, the Hannaryz will be closing in on the official midway point of the 60-game campaign. So it's a logical time to assess Okada's performance in the 2024-25 season.
After their victory in the series final against the Alphas, Rana mentioned that Okada (32-plus minutes) and veteran American forward Angelo Caloiaro (31:35) logged heavy minutes. But he was pleased with their dynamic efforts, recognizing the importance of having them play instead of rest on the bench.
Caloiaro is the team's leading scorer (18.3 ppg) and he had a 24-point outing.
"It was a really tough game, but I'm glad that we were able to get some energy out of our guys, especially in the second half, and we were able to pull away," Rana told reporters. "Caloiaro and Okada in particular got a lot of playing time, but they are really special."
A Look Ahead for the Hannaryz
Up next: Kyoto travels to play the Golden Kings at Okinawa Arena on Saturday and Sunday, December 28 and 29.
Many folks will prioritize partying during the final weekend of the year.
Yuta Okada has other plans. Maintaining good physical condition is a top objective for him as he prepares to face Ryukyu and other upcoming opponents.
"I had some injuries that kept me out of the game for a while at my previous club, but since coming to Kyoto, I have been able to play in games without being out for very long periods," Okada told reporters. "This is partly because the trainers and others are taking good care of my body.
"I will continue to do my best so that I can continue to play in games in the future."
And the more he plays, the happier Hannaryz fans will be.
Around the B.League
With four consecutive wins, the Gunma Crane Thunders (17-7) have pulled within two games of the Eastern Conference-leading Utsunomiya Brex. Their East rival Chiba is also 17-7.
In the Central Conference, the San-en NeoPhoenix and the Alvark Tokyo are locked in a spirited fight for supremacy. Both clubs are 20-4.
And in the Western Conference, the Shiga Lakes, who have the league's worst record (2-22), snapped an 18-game losing streak by beating the Sunrockers Shibuya 90-88 on December 22 in Tokyo.
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
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