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時間回到今年 5 月 19 日，那是我第一次與花田唯翔（Yuito Hanada）對話。

那天，我在 Instagram 上刷到他在 SFL 訓練的影片。我知道他曾效力於日本 B3 聯賽的金澤武士團，也順手點開了他的精華片段——防守意識敏銳、個人技術扎實，讓我印象深刻。於是，我很自然地按下了「追蹤」。

沒想到幾個小時後，他主動私訊我，先簡單聊了兩句，語氣禮貌又帶點期待，接著開門見山地問：「請問你能不能幫我找一支願意讓我加入訓練的大馬職業隊？」

現實的挑戰 vs 不屈的信念

當我告訴他，大馬聯賽沒有亞洲外援名額，球隊通常偏好高大的洋將，以他的身高很難獲得青睞，我以為他會退縮。

結果，他的回答卻很堅定：「我明白球隊都想找大個子，但是我很有信心作為一名後衛，我一樣可以為球隊作出貢獻。」

這不只是自信，更是一種對自己能力的堅定信念。

在這個看重身材條件的籃球世界裡，他選擇相信技術和心態能夠彌補身高的不足。

從牽線到圓夢

被他的決心打動後，我開始積極幫他牽線。

最終，森美蘭金群利金鹿願意給他機會，不僅讓他參加球隊訓練，還希望他將防守技巧和個人技術傳授給青年隊球員。

時間回到今天，花田唯翔已經加入新創球隊吉隆坡飛鷹，正在征戰 FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest。從一個在 Instagram 上的陌生追蹤者，到現在成為大馬籃球的一份子，這段旅程證明：機會，往往留給積極主動的人。

最深刻的對話：為什麼選擇馬來西亞？

最近我好奇地問他：「為什麼選擇來馬來西亞？日本的籃球產業不是更成熟嗎？是什麼讓你堅持這條不好走的路？」

他的回答讓我重新思考什麼叫做「成功」：

「首先，我想要在海外打籃球，這是我的夢想之一。在這裡我感到很舒適，大家都對我很友善。我不介意馬來西亞的籃球水準如何，我希望能與馬來西亞的籃球產業一起成長，我可以幫助你們一起進步。最後，我不認為這段旅程很困難，這很有趣，就是這樣。所有的經歷對我來說都是好事。」

給年輕球員的啟示

1. 勇敢走出舒適圈

花田唯翔本可以留在相對成熟的日本籃球環境，但他選擇踏出國門，追求海外打球的夢想。有時候，最大的成長來自於離開熟悉的環境。

2. 相信自己的獨特價值

面對身高劣勢，他沒有自怨自艾，而是專注於自己的優勢——防守技術和後衛技能。每個球員都有自己的獨特價值，關鍵是要有信心展現出來。

3. 把挑戰當成樂趣

「It’s just fun」。這句話道出了運動的本質。當你真正熱愛籃球時，挑戰不再是阻礙，而是成長的養分。

4. 共同成長的心態

他不是來「征服」大馬籃球，而是希望「一起成長」。這種謙遜和互助的態度，值得所有年輕球員學習。

結語：23歲的勇氣

花田唯翔才 23 歲，卻展現了許多人一輩子都學不會的格局與膽識。

他提醒我們，夢想不分國界，機會永遠留給敢於嘗試的人。

所以，對正在讀這篇文章的你：別讓任何人告訴你什麼是不可能的。

身高不夠？用技術補上。環境不完美？用心態扛起。

花田唯翔的故事還在繼續寫下去，而你的故事呢？是時候勇敢地翻開下一頁了。

希望這篇簡短的 newsletter 能給你帶來啟發，如果你喜歡這樣的內容，不妨留言告訴我。如果你還沒有訂閱，記得點擊訂閱按鈕，完全免費哦！

祝你擁有一個美好的週日！下個星期見。

— Jordan

🇬🇧 ENGLISH VERSION

Dreams Don’t Need Borders

Let’s rewind to May 19, 2025, the first time I ever spoke with Yuito Hanada.

That day, I came across a video on Instagram of him training at SFL. I knew he had played in Japan’s B3 League for the Kanazawa Samuraiz, so I clicked on a few of his highlight clips.

Sharp defensive instincts. Solid individual skills.

I was impressed.

Naturally, I hit “Follow.”

A few hours later, he sent me a DM, polite and with a hint of excitement, then got straight to the point:

“Can you help me find a Malaysian pro team that will let me join their training?”

The Reality Check vs. Unshakable Belief

I told him the truth:

There are no Asian import quotas in the Malaysian league.

And teams usually prefer tall foreign players.

With his height, getting a team’s attention would be an uphill battle.

I expected hesitation.

Instead, his reply was firm and fearless:

“I understand teams want big guys. But I’m confident that as a guard, I can still contribute.”

This wasn’t just self-confidence.

It was conviction. A strong belief in his own value and abilities.

In a basketball world obsessed with size, he chose to believe that skill and mindset could bridge the gap.

From Networking to Dream-Chasing

Moved by his determination, I started making calls.

Eventually, the NS Matrix Deers agreed to give him a shot, not only to join their training sessions, but also to share his defensive skills and techniques with their youth players.

Fast forward to today:

Yuito has officially joined the newly-formed KL Flying Eagles and competing in the FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest as we speak.

From a stranger I followed on Instagram to becoming part of Malaysian basketball, his journey proves that opportunities often come to those who create them.

The Question That Stuck With Me

Recently, I asked him:

“Why Malaysia? Japan’s basketball industry is much better than Malaysia. Why take the harder road?”

His answer made me rethink what “success” really means:

“First, I want to play basketball abroad — that’s one of my dreams. I feel comfortable here, people are kind to me. I don’t care whether Malaysian basketball is good or not. I want to grow with the Malaysian basketball industry, and I can help you guys grow too. Finally, I don’t think this journey is difficult. It's just fun. That’s it. All of these experiences are good for me.”

Lessons for Young Players

1. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Yuito could have stayed in Japan’s more developed basketball environment. Instead, he took a leap and chased his overseas dream. Growth often begins where comfort ends.

2. Believe in Your Unique Value

Height disadvantage? He didn’t complain. He doubled down on his strengths: defense and guard skills. Every player has a unique value. The key is having the confidence to show it.

3. Turn Challenges Into Fun

“It’s just fun.” That’s the essence of sport. When you truly love the game, challenges become fuel for growth, not roadblocks.

4. Grow Together, Not Alone

He didn’t come here to “conquer” Malaysian basketball, he came to grow with it. That humility and collaborative spirit is something every young player should learn.

Conclusion: The Courage of 23

At just 23, Yuito Hanada has shown a mindset and boldness that many never develop in a lifetime.

He reminds us that dreams have no borders, and that opportunities will always favor those who dare to try.

So to you, reading this right now:

Don’t let anyone tell you what’s impossible.

Not tall enough? Build your skill.

Environment not perfect? Let your mindset carry you.

Yuito’s story is still being written.

What about yours?

Maybe it’s time to turn the page and write the next chapter yourself.

I hope this week’s story gave you a little spark of inspiration.

If it did, drop me a quick reply or comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Have a great Sunday, and I’ll catch you next week.