Japan Men's NT 2021

Quote from sarinseu

Were they just trying different combinations? I was out for most of the 2nd set when they subbed Otsuka out for Takanashi. I hope that wasn't because he was playing inconsistently.

I'd like to think that they are just trying combinations, but who knows with this coach lol. They also subbed out Miyaura for Otake, not as a double sub. They played well in general imo, and though they have errors, they are not bad enough to be benched. I'm pleasantly surprised to see Otsuka as a starter over Takanashi though, considering how little his playing time was in the recent competitions.

Quote from volleyb

I'd like to think that they are just trying combinations, but who knows with this coach lol.

That Fukuyama substitution was the weirdest of all. Even he didn't know what he was there for. I hope they let Otsuka start at least against Bahrain and India.

Quote from sarinseu

That Fukuyama substitution was the weirdest of all. Even he didn't know what he was there for. I hope they let Otsuka start at least against Bahrain and India.

I think they just suddenly realized that the game is ending and he needs court time today because today was his NT debut as well lol. Thought of that because they posted a photo of Miyaura and Fukuyama on IG mentioning their debut.

Stat sheet for the Japan vs Qatar match: STATS

Top scorer: Tatsunori Otsuka - 12pts (12/24 attacks)

Stat sheet for the Japan vs Bahrain match: STATS

Top scorer: Ran Takahsahi - 26pts (22/29 attacks, 2 blocks and 2 service aces)

Stat sheet for the Japan vs India match: STATS

Top scorer: Yuki Ishikawa - 18pts (13/16 attacks, 2 blocks, 3 service aces)

Next round matches will be against Australia and China.

not surprised with the change, I think he took them far, but he’s probably going to be running a team in Japan shortly. probably back to Sakai, maybe FC Tokyo?

I've read before that he'll retire after the Olympics, maybe they just extended up to Asian Championship considering the short period. How about the Assistant Coach?

Blain could takeover, but at 62, it is his call. Maybe Tillie? Seeing as how he is in Japan now.

Is Tillie + Blain being greedy?

Yanagida announces that he's getting married

Actually got married, these kind of announcements mean that it is done.

Will Yanagida be in NT for WCh?

i mean does he still have a chance?

yes he has a chance, but it is up to the new coach.

Nakagaichi goes back to Sakai starting October 1, per team’s Twitter account.

roughly translated quote (google):

Quote

The men's coach is sure to be promoted to French coach Philippe Blain (61), who contributed to the top eight for the first time in 29 years. It will be officially decided by the board of directors of the association on the 14th.

Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/s…news/202110130000083.html

Coach Blain mentioned in one of the interviews the possibility of Ran Takahashi playing in Italy Superlega this December. VolleyballWorld also posted GIF of Ran hinting something about December so this might be true. Earlier, rumors are saying Padova is interested with him.

If it is indeed Padova, their current starting wing spikers are Eric Loeppky (OH, CAN), Matthia Bottolo (OH, ITA) and Linus Weber (Opp, GER).

Just in case anyone is interested, the game is ongoing now between Nippon Sport Science University and Waseda University for the finals of Kanto University Volleyball Autumn League.

Ran Takahashi is playing for NSSU (jersey #20)

Tatsunori Otsuka is playing for Waseda (jersey #7)

Link: UNIVAS CUP

Whcih team it might be?