Roosevelt Adams (left) with Kagawa Five Arrows in B.League Japan. –B.LEAGUE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines – Roosevelt Adams felt he was not performing to his full potential in the PBA, playing out of place at Terrafirma.
That’s why he’s so keen to prove his worth with Kagawa Five Arrows in the Japanese B.League 2nd division.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t show my full potential in the PBA. I was playing in the wrong position most of the time it was a difficult part mentally, physically to go in every game when playing in the wrong position, but at the same time trying to win the games,” Adams said during the game. Thursday’s introductory press conference.
The 28-year-old winger is also young Terrafirma offered him “a standard contract” that led him to the “unquestionable” decision to make his move to Japan.
“What I expect in Japan is just competition. I’ve heard from fellow Filipinos that the competition here is really great and different from the PBA,” said former #1 pick overall in the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft, who has played for Dyip since 2020 until until no terms were reached for this year’s team.
“I don’t want to say reshuffle because I didn’t do too badly in the PBA so I would say just a fresh start, the start of something new. I’m just excited for his new adventure,” he added.
The 6-foot-5 winger has a lot to offer for Kagawa, who has suffered three straight losses in the first four games of the 2022-23 B2 season without him.
“I am a good three point shooter. I am also a great recoverer. I’m a big forward guard so I can expose the mismatch and also give us extra assets on the attack boards. And defensively, they also mention, I can defend and the defenders as well in the post,” Adams said.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Kagawa coach Yuichi Ishikawa hopes Adams can live up to expectations by making an immediate impact when he makes his debut this weekend.
“Hopefully he brings us victories. Because this is our first time entering Asia, a lot of fans are excited and have very high expectations for him, so we get a lot of attention,” said Ishikawa. “Everything is going well, so far.”
Player Gilas Pilipinas, who saw action in fourth window of the 2023 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifierare also eager to join Five Arrows.
“This team is really a very special team, I can see it. From day one, the coaching staff, the system they put in, the players were very flexible, where we could throw anything out there and play at a high level,” he said.
Hopefully Adams will give his all for Kagawa as he looks to take the roster to greater heights this year.
“The championship is the goal. Getting better is another goal, and that promotion will be special,” Adams said. “As far as challenges go, everything is a challenge at the end of the day and refreshing. Just compared to the last team I was in, it was like, but that’s about it. “
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