[On-site interview] "MVP prize money of 2 million won? I'll buy Pokemon cards" The 'American center' who led Japan to a three-peat, Fearing's fun plan... "Even if my teammates say it's different, I won't give it to them"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Samantha Fearing, the 'American center' who led Japan's Fujitsu Red Wave to a three-peat in the Park Shin-ja Cup, was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). After the intense final, she also revealed an unexpected plan for using the prize money. It was 'Pokemon cards.'

Fujitsu defeated Asan Woori Bank 78-71 in the 2026 KB Kookmin Bank Park Shin-ja Cup final held at Cheongju Indoor Gymnasium on the 11th to claim the championship.

With this, Fujitsu has reached the top of the Park Shin-ja Cup for three consecutive years, following their titles in 2024 and 2025. It is the first time an overseas team has achieved a three-peat in the tournament.

They also tied for first place with Bucheon Hana Bank, which achieved a three-peat from 2018 to 2020, by recording their third championship, matching the all-time record for most Park Shin-ja Cup titles.

Fearing was the star of the tournament MVP. Fearing won the MVP with 5 votes out of a total of 11 in the on-site press corps vote that day. Her teammate Owaki Haru received 4 votes, followed by Machida Rui with 2 votes.

The MVP prize money is 2 million won.

Fearing played in six games during this tournament, averaging 17 minutes and 8 seconds on the court while recording 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. In particular, she contributed to Fujitsu's championship with her dominance in the paint, leveraging her height of 191cm.

The final was also not an easy contest against Woori Bank. Fujitsu led 49-37 at halftime but faced a fierce comeback from Woori Bank in the second half. In particular, as Woori Bank's perimeter shooting came alive, they even allowed a tie at one point in the fourth quarter.

Fearing also admitted that the game was not easy. After the game, she reflected, "It was a tough game overall. I knew their three-point shooting was strong and prepared for it," adding, "But it was still difficult."

She continued, "I tried to stop the three-pointers, and ultimately, we got a good result."

Although Fearing was serious on the court, the atmosphere changed when the topic of the MVP prize money came up.

Fearing smiled brightly and said, "I will buy Pokemon cards."

It seemed that her teammates were already eyeing Fearing's prize money.

After laughing and saying, "My teammates are asking for a little bit," Fearing firmly replied, "But I won't give it to them," eliciting laughter.

She also shared her impressions of Korean basketball. While stating, "I haven't been exposed to Japanese basketball for that long, so it's not easy to answer," she added, "Still, I think Japan plays fast-paced basketball."

Regarding Korean basketball, she evaluated, "They play both inside and outside basketball," adding, "In particular, they attempt many three-pointers. That is their characteristic."

Indeed, Woori Bank relentlessly chased Fujitsu in the final by leading with perimeter shots. Fearing also cited Woori Bank's three-point shooting as one of the most difficult aspects after the game.

Fujitsu ultimately shook off Woori Bank's pursuit and set a new record by winning the championship for three consecutive years.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original