Hiroshima Dragonflies rookie Kaine Roberts is making a name for himself in Japan's B.League as he continues to develop his game. Roberts, a 21-year-old guard, was born in Atsugi, Japan, to an American father and Japanese mother. He played college basketball at Stony Brook University in New York before joining the Hiroshima Dragonflies.
Roberts' transition to professional basketball in Japan has been smooth, thanks in part to his unique background and familiarity with both American and Japanese cultures. With American head coach Kyle Milling leading the Dragonflies, Roberts has found support in communicating in English while also being fluent in Japanese.
Roberts' journey in the B.League began over three years ago when he played for the Tokyo Earth Friends Z team in the second division without payment to maintain his college eligibility. His standout performance in his first pro game, including a memorable putback dunk, helped him gain recognition and set the stage for his current success with Hiroshima.
Currently coming off the bench, Roberts is averaging 2.9 points per game on solid shooting percentages. Despite being a rookie, he understands the importance of patience and seizing opportunities to further his career in the competitive B.League.
Roberts acknowledges the differences in playing styles between the U.S. and Japan but is confident in his athleticism and scoring abilities. Coach Milling sees potential in Roberts' offensive skills and athleticism, emphasizing the need for improvement in defensive reads and strength.
As Roberts continues to develop, he aims to enhance his defensive capabilities and decision-making on the court. His versatility as a combo guard allows him to contribute both offensively and defensively, drawing inspiration from NBA stars like Kyrie Irving and Paul George.
