Strengthening the Shinjuku GIVERS Team with Japan's First Professional Basketball Player

Shinjuku GIVERS Enhances Team Structure

In an exciting development within the women's pro 3x3 basketball scene, Shinjuku GIVERS has announced the appointment of Makoto Hasegawa, Japan's first professional basketball player, as its Executive Advisor. This move aims to bolster the team's structure and elevate its competitive edge as they prepare for their inaugural overseas venture.

Founded just a year and a half ago, Shinjuku GIVERS has already achieved significant milestones, such as securing third place in the Japanese championships scheduled for February 2026. To further enhance its competitiveness, the team is now partnering with Hasegawa, whose extensive experience in both national and international basketball lends invaluable insights.

Who is Makoto Hasegawa?

Makoto Hasegawa is renowned as a basketball pioneer in Japan. He broke ground in 1997 as the first player in the country to sign a professional contract and, in 2000, became the first Japanese player to play in overseas professional leagues in the United States. During his illustrious career, Hasegawa represented Japan in various capacities, including as a member of the men's national team at the World Championship and serving as Head Coach for Japan's 3x3 national team, guiding them to notable competitions such as the 2023 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup.

Hasegawa's appointment comes just before Shinjuku GIVERS embarks on their overseas journey to the Cebu Hustle 3x3 international tournament, where they will face off against a competitive lineup of local and international teams. The event, scheduled for June 20-21, will be held at SM Seaside City in Cebu, marking a significant milestone as the team's first international outing.

The Team's Scientific Approach

The team has built a foundation for its performance enhancements based on scientific research in collaboration with trainers experienced in major US leagues and local universities. The addition of Hasegawa, who understands the rigors of the international stage, is expected to provide a unique perspective that complements the team's existing strategies.

Representatives from Shinjuku GIVERS expressed their enthusiasm regarding Hasegawa’s involvement. Yumi Takakuwa, a player on the team, stated, "Hasegawa-san’s experience can greatly contribute to our growth. We are a young team with aspirations for the world stage, and his support during our first overseas mission is invaluable."

Moreover, Yasuhiko Aki, the team’s representative, confirmed, "Since our inception, we have focused on scientific physical conditioning and athlete development. Bringing Hasegawa on board is a major step forward. We aim to leverage his insights for our first international competition and towards ultimately developing players who can excel on the global stage."

As Shinjuku GIVERS gears up for this critical moment in their journey, anticipation builds for the impact that Hasegawa's mentorship will have, both in preparation for the upcoming tournament and in shaping the future of the team.

For more details on the team and their upcoming international tournament, visit their official website. Follow them on Instagram @givers3x3 to stay updated with their progress.