Nicknamed “Samurai Steph”, Keisei Tominaga was one of the attractions of the Intercontinental Cup in Singapore as part of the G-League selection. Author of 2 points on average for 8 minutes of play, he had notably made a good entrance by lining up three 3-point baskets to finish with 12 points in 17 minutes during his first match. If the G League United lost in the final against Malaga, it was an enriching experience for the shooter, whose ultimate dream remains to play in the NBA one day.
“I just want to be in the NBA, step on an NBA court. After that, I might have another goal, but for now, it's to get to the NBA, for sure.”, he recalled on the sidelines of the tournament.
Still attracted to Stephen Curry
Son of former Japanese international Hiroyuki Tominaga, who notably participated in the FIBA World Championship in 1998, Keisei Tominaga spoke about the growing enthusiasm around him and his way of playing, which is often compared to that of Stephen Curry.
“When I was at Nebraska, people started calling me the Japanese Steph Curry, also because I wear number 30,” he recalled. “It's not a pressure for me, it's just that they call me that, it's not like I think about it all the time (…). Having fun on the pitch is the most important thing for me.”
It is also a character trait that brings him closer to Stephen Curry, a showman through his play and his attitudes, like his legendary “Night Night” celebration. “He seems to enjoy playing basketball. He celebrates when he makes a shot, even when his teammate makes a shot. That’s what attracted me when I watched him.”
A first step
After the Singaporean interlude, Keisei Tominaga will now eagerly await the start of the Pacers training camp where he has been invited to show himself. His “Exhibit 10” contract does not yet give him any guarantees, it will be up to him to give his best in order to extend the adventure. And who knows, maybe one day, he will then have the opportunity to play in the NBA.
“This is a good step, I am happy to receive such an offer. This is the first step towards realizing my dream,” he continued. “I have to become more physical, stronger. I think I also have to improve my ball handling. I have to continue to grow, to make efforts, to show what I am capable of. Continue to show what I can do.”
