By REYNALD MAGALLON
LAPU-LAPU CITY – Chiba Jets and Japanese star Yuki Togashi became an instant hit to a huge and enthusiastic Cebuano crowd who serenaded him with MVP chants in the East Asia Super League final against Seoul SK Knights at the jam-packed Hoops Dome
Perhaps, his being 5-foot-6 in size and his dazzling display on the court was what allowed him to win the heart of the Cebuanos who celebrated with him as he was being awarded with the EASL Final Four MVP plum following Chiba’s grindout 72-69 win over Seoul.
“This is incredible”, said the Japanese playmaker who was also the captain of the Akatsuki Five that booked Japan a place in the Paris Olympics.
“Thank you guys, you’re amazing. It was like a home game for us and we’re really glad to play in such an environment,” he added.
Like a home game indeed, the Final game was for Togashi who generated loud cheers from the fans every time he touched the ball. Fans eagerly anticipated his next move as if he was about to weave his magic and score on defenders almost twice of his size.
Togashi made sure to give the Cebuano fans a night to remember, pouring 12 of his 22 points in the final frame – highlighted by a booming step-back triple, a beautiful floater and a steal and a finish down the stretch.
The Jets playmaker played down the performance that kept the crowd wild and alive, noting that it was all about Filipinos’ enthusiasm and love for the sport that generated the thrilling and loud atmosphere.
“Playing in this stadium, countries, including the national games we really didn’t have this kind of chants yet but with EASL everywhere we go, there’s a lot of supporters, there a lot of cheers and actually that was really fun to play in,” Togashi said through an interpreter.
“Again, it’s not like what I did but maybe the environment that everybody loves and supports basketball and I mean one play, everybody enjoyed it and that was really great for us. I think it’s not only myself but I think it’s the whole atmosphere that created that environment,” he added
