LAPU-LAPU CITY — There should be no denying that Yuki Togashi’s influence has expanded to this part of the continent, as evidenced on Sunday night.
The Japanese star piloted Chiba to the top of 2023-24 East Asia Super League (EASL) following yet another sterling performance to beat Seoul SK in the Final – much to the delight of the local fans that filled up the Hoops Dome here.
He finished with 22 points and seven assists on the way to earning Final Four Most Valuable Player honors.
And the coronation was all the sweeter as he was serenaded with ‘M-V-P’ chants upon receiving the trophy.
Togashi admitted that it was an experience far from the ordinary.
(C) Mags Reyes/EASL
“Actually, playing in these Asian countries, including national games, I didn’t really have this kind of chants,” the 30-year-old floor general said through a translator during the postgame presser of their 72-69 victory.
“But in this EASL, everywhere we go, there’s a lot of supporters, there’s a lot of cheers, and that makes it really fun to play in,” he added.
Togashi had already received ‘M-V-P’ chants during his trip to the foul line with 13.3 seconds left to play. He calmly sank both of his free throws to give his side more distance – and to settle the eventual scoreline.
It no longer came as a surprise, since he had earned the fans’ adoration since starring in Chiba’s thrilling 92-84 conquest of New Taipei in the semis last Friday.
There, he led the late-game surge to complete the rally.
He went on to finish with 28 points and five assists.
Togashi, though, believes that it’s not necessarily those performances of his that led to those moments, but rather the euphoria that stems from the Filipino fans’ passion – and, of course, appreciation – for the game.
“It’s maybe the environment where everybody loves sports and basketball — each play, everybody enjoys it. That was really great for us,” he said.
“It was not about myself, but the whole atmosphere that created that environment.”
But he’ll be remembered here for a long time. No doubt.
