SPORTS

Making Gunma Hot with Basketball: Gunma Crane Thunders Launches Special Basketball Operation Event

Published

6 months ago

June 30, 2024

1oo9t

Thank you for your continued support for the Gunma Crane Thunders.

Gunma Crane Thunders will be holding a special event starting July 1st.“Basketball Operations”We are pleased to announce that we will be launching the following website.

“Basketball Operations” is an organization that oversees the entire training department, including not only the top team but also the youth teams.

“Let’s heat up Gunma with basketball”In order to realize this vision, we aim to become the best club in the world, strengthen our top team, and develop and popularize the youth generation. We will also contribute to the growth of Gunma Prefecture and the Japanese basketball world.

To that end, we“victory”and the people who support me.“Giving back”We will continue to work with pride in this.

With the launch, Ueno Tsuneo will take on the role of “Director and Assistant GM (Top Team Manager)” and Nishiyanagi Nobuyuki will take on the role of “Assistant Director and Head of Development Department.”

Additionally, Yamada Daiji will continue to serve as head coach for the Gunma Crane Thunders U-18 team, and Oya Shusaku will continue to serve as head coach for the U-15 team.

Basketball Operations

Tsuneo Ueno

Date of birth: May 2, 1989 Alma mater: National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya Hometown: Osaka Prefecture Career: 2015-16 Levanga Hokkaido (Video Coordinator)
2016 Japan Women’s U-17 World Championship (Technical Staff)
2016-17 Levanga Hokkaido (Scouting Coach)
2017-21 Levanga Hokkaido (Assistant Coach)
2021 Tokyo Olympics Japan Women’s National Team (Technical Support)
2021-23 Japan Basketball Association (Technical Staff)
Japan Women’s National Team (Assistant Coach)
2023-24 Gunma Crane Thunders (Assistant Coach)

2024- Gunma Crane Thunders (Director and Assistant GM)
[Comment from Director and Assistant GM Ueno]
“Thank you for your continued support for the Gunma Crane Thunders.

With the launch of our basketball operations, we will work to create an environment for the top team that focuses on winning, and for the youth generation that focuses on growth and having fun, in order to realize our club philosophy of “making Gunma hot with basketball.” We will also do our best to deliver excitement to all those who support us and give back to them.

To achieve this, the top team will continue to pursue victory and play more games that deliver excitement and emotion. In addition, we will support the youth generation in not only improving their athletic skills, but also their human qualities, so that they can become the best players they can be.

Finally, in the words of Yoshida Shoin, “Those without dreams have no ideals, those without ideals have no plans, those without plans have no action, and those without action have no success. Therefore, those without dreams have no success.”

We want to continue to move forward with a strong will and a dream, believing in the power of basketball.

We ask for your continued support for the Gunma Crane Thunders.”

Nobuki Nishiyanagi

Date of birth: June 12, 1998 Alma mater: Kyushu Sangyo University Hometown: Miyazaki Prefecture Career: 2019-20 Rising Zephyr Fukuoka (Video Coordinator)
2020-21 Rising Zephyr Fukuoka (Video Coordinator and Assistant Coach)
2021-22 Gunma Crane Thunders (Assistant Coach and Video Coordinator)
2022-24 Gunma Crane Thunders (Assistant Coach and Scouting Coach)

2024- Gunma Crane Thunders (Assistant Director and Head of Development)
[Assistant Director and Head of Development Division, Nishiyanagi]
“Thank you for your continued support and encouragement for the Gunma Crane Thunders.
My name is Nobuki Nishiyanagi, and I have been appointed as Assistant Director and Head of the Development Department.

I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to be involved in the operation.

We will do our best to realize the club’s philosophy of “making Gunma hot through basketball.”

By utilizing a consistent and continuous coaching program from the top team to the development age group, we will establish the “Gunma Model” and liven up the development age group for children who want to become Gunma Crane Thunders players in the future.

We appreciate your continued support and encouragement for the Gunma Crane Thunders.”

Daiji Yamada

Date of birth: June 8, 1981 Alma mater: Nihon University Hometown: Osaka Prefecture Career
[選手歴]

2004-07 Toyota Motor Corporation
2007-08 Panasonic Trians
2008-11 Lela Kamui Hokkaido
2011-16 Link Tochigi Brex
2016-18 Hiroshima Dragonflies
2018-20 Toyama Grouses READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

[コーチ歴]

2022- Gunma Crane Thunders U18 Head Coach

[日本代表歴]

1999 Junior World Championships
2000 Young Men’s World Championships
2001 Young Men’s World Championships
2003 Athens Olympic Qualifiers
2005 FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship
2006 FIBA Basketball World Championship
2007 FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship
2010 16th Asian Games (2010/Guangzhou)

[Yamada U18HC Comment]
“The Gunma Crane Thunders will continue to value the close ties between the top team and the youth team in order to promote basketball culture in the region.
The aim is for top team players to actively participate in youth team training and share their own experiences and techniques with the young players, providing them with invaluable experience and contributing greatly to their development.

In addition, as we focus on developing young players, we not only teach them basketball techniques that will set them on a path to success on the top team, but also view important character development, such as etiquette, sportsmanship, and the importance of teamwork, as part of their education.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to all those involved who gave me the opportunity to teach basketball.
Being involved in training this team has been a valuable experience in my life.

We hope to continue growing together with our players and provide full support so that they can become a source of pride for Gunma and contribute to the local community.

Finally, the Gunma Crane Thunders team will work together to foster a basketball culture in the region, so we appreciate your continued support and encouragement.”

Shusaku Ooya

Date of birth: August 29, 1983 Alma mater: Aoyama Gakuin University Hometown: Nagano Prefecture Career: 2006-12 Hitachi Sunrockers (player)
2018-20 Assistant coach for Chiba Prefectural Higashi Katsushika High School U18 Girls
2020-21 Ryukoku University Kashiwa High School U18 Boys Skill Coach
2021-23 Assistant Coach, Chiba Prefectural Higashi Katsushika High School U18 Boys
2023-24 Gunma Crane Thunders U15 Assistant Coach
2024- Gunma Crane Thunders U15 Head Coach

[日本代表歴]

2004 26th William Jones Cup
2006 28th William Jones Cup
2007 29th William Jones Cup
The 24th Universiade

[Ooya U15 Head Coach Comments]

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Gunma Crane Thunders for their enthusiastic support and for the Academy’s activities.

With the launch of our new “Basketball Operation,” I feel extremely humbled as I coach U-15 players.

Our club’s academy is an organization that develops future franchise players, but even before that, the U-15 generation is at the beginning of growing into adults both physically and mentally, and we believe that this is the most important age group in our development.

The important thing here is to “create many options.” I always keep in mind that all players have infinite potential, and by working hard not only in basketball but also in their academics, I hope to foster a foundation that will enable us to develop and produce outstanding people who will excel in any field in the world.

The aim is to become a top team player, but by collaborating with the U18 and top teams, which are higher categories, the path that the U15 players should aim for will be clearer, and more consistent development will be possible. We would also like to expand this initiative to the U12 generation who are interested in the U15.

The Gunma Crane Thunders Academy, like the top team, will continue to work energetically in many areas to “make Gunma excited with basketball,” so we ask for your continued support and encouragement.”

2024-06-30 06:02:30
#Announcement #launch #Basketball #Operations #Gunma #Crane #Thunders

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SPORTS

The Truth About the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 Match

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

1oo9t

In one way or the other, almost every Nigerian has heard of the mythical match between India Vs. Nigeria that ended with 99 goals to 1 with India being victorious.

Before the advent of the internet, this story successfully thrived among Nigerians, but with the emergence of the internet and easy access to social media, the truth behind the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match was revealed.

Though there are different accounts of the match, but they all have the following in common:

That the match ended with India scoring 99 goals and Nigeria scoring just one goal.
That Nigerians were unable to kick the ball because the football kept turning to a lion which scared them away…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
2. That Indians later agreed that if Nigeria could score one goal, they would concede defeat.
3. That Samuel Okwaraji scored the winning goal and lost his life in the process because the ball turned into stone as he was about to kick it.
4. That FIFA banned India from soccer because they used juju (black magic) in that match.
Why did people believe the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match story?

Even with the absence of the internet back then, this kind of claims should be immediately recognized as lies, the kind of lies they call “big fat lies”. But most people like to acknowledge this story as true with the fact that no one has ever seen India play in an International Football Match. Since no one actually saw India participate in most international soccer games, this gave a little credence to the story.

Another reason this lie thrived for long was that credible information was not easily accessible in Nigeria unlike now that even a 4-year-old child can debunk false claims within minutes with the help of Google. This Nigeria Vs India match story would have been fabricated by one community elder to children during an evening gathering; that’s our take at OldNaija.

What Actually Happened!

On the 12th of August 1989, Nigeria lost one of her best footballers, Sam Okwaraji who died during a football match. We wrote about how he died on the pitch and you can read it here. Sam Okwaraji was the player rumoured to have lost his life in that game when in truth he died during a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Angola in the 77th minute. He collapsed and died of cognitive heart failure. May his soul rest in peace. AMEN!

Samuel Okwaraji (circled)

So, that is the only truthful thing about the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match story, the fact that a Nigerian player died during a football match. That is what these lies was fabricated around. The match was not against India, Nigeria did not lose the match and as you must have guessed, and there were no lions or ball turning into a stone.

Meme by Campus Bro

Nevertheless, one cannot deny that this kind of story made one’s childhood as a Nigerian. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Before we go,

Why was India Banned by FIFA?

India was never banned by FIFA. It was India that withdrew from the tournament themselves. Here is how it happened.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) made it clear to India that they would not be allowed to play in the 1950 FIFA World Cup without footwear.

Then something happened. You see, when determining the make-up of the 1950 World Cup, FIFA determined that obviously the two defending finalists, Brazil and Italy, would be guaranteed slots. That left fourteen slots that needed to be filled.

FIFA decided that seven of those slots would come from Europe, six would come from the Americas and one would come from Asia.

The problem was that of the four Asian teams that were invited to the World Cup, three of them (the Philippines, Indonesia and Burma) withdrew from the tournament before the qualification round.

Therefore, India earned an automatic slot within the World Cup. It would be India’s first time appearing in the World Cup but India, too, withdrew from the tournament because FIFA would not allow them to compete barefoot.

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SPORTS

SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

Published

2 months ago

November 5, 2024

1oo9t

The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

SPORTS

NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

Published

2 months ago

October 12, 2024

1oo9t

In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.

Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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