Konno (photo) was the first training camp in three years, Basketball King
On May 22nd, a media day was held for the Japanese women's national team (9th in the FIBA rankings) during the first training camp in preparation for the FIBA Women's Asian Cup 2025, and Konno Norika (Denso Iris) responded to an interview.
Konno spent four years at the University of Louisville, a powerful school that belongs to the first division of the National College Athletics Association (NCAA), and made his double league debut at DENSO last season. This season he played in 22 games (of which six starts), averaging 4.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, and took the court in five games in the final.
Konno said that he had been participating in the national team training camp for the first time in three years. “In DENSO, I often get the chance to become No. 4 (power forward), but for the national team, there are No. 2 and No. 3 (shooting guards and small forwards). Changes in position are also a challenge, and I hope to find new possibilities for myself, and I'm looking forward to that,” he said of the feeling.
With many rivals within the team, Konno turned his gaze to himself, saying, “I think growing your own colour and strengths will lead to recognition.” In addition, while three-point shots and drives are being sold to the coaches for a high price, they analyze that there is room for improvement in their ability to carry out their performance in practice.
“I don't have enough parts to bring to the game. My challenge is how much I can reflect it in the game, so if I can do that, I think it will become one weapon, so I want to show that only I can do.”
Last season, he struggled with little playtime, but commented, “I worked on my own workouts and my way of sorting out my feelings have changed. I think last year was a year of growth, and I've grown emotionally with the support of a wide range of people, which has led to me growing emotionally.” It seems that mental improvements have attracted more success this season.
Konno also revealed that he received advice from Head Coach Corey Gaines, who said, “It's only because I have respect, I can just play hard.” “I will definitely hit shots that I can hit and play on the brink. It's not a new person, but I want to take on the challenge in a different way,” he said, making clear his attitude towards playing.
Although Konno has a difficult position to change from his usual position, he is determined to pursue opportunities for growth with a strong mindset. At the training camp, where veterans, middle-school and young players are all gathered, I hope that as many skills as possible are yours and win the roster.
