Matthew Wright felt he needed a breath of new environment when he decided to sign for the B. League team Kyoto Hannaryz and let go of his career in the PBA.
After playing six years with the Phoenix Fuel Masters whose highest finish in the PBA was a semifinal stint both in the Philippine Cup of the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Wright felt he got complacent playing in the league, and somehow felt stagnant as a basketball player.
“I think it’s going to be a great challenge because I feel like I was getting a little too comfortable in the Philippines, being there for six years. We didn’t win a lot of games in Phoenix and it was very frustrating. I felt like I needed a change in scenery and just new challenges for myself,” said Wright during a press-conference where he was formally introduced by Kyoto on Thursday, Sept. 22.
The 31-year-old sharpshooter added that the chance to play in the B.League offered him an opportunity to evolve and improve his game.
“I’m always constantly trying to become a better basketball player and I think the main goal is to always strive for improvement and develop your game. I felt like joining Kyoto would be the best fit for me,” he added.
Used with the spotlight on him as the Fuel Masters main man and first scoring option, Wright is also relishing the chance to showcase other facets of his game as he wanted to man the point guard position for Kyoto.
“I think for us to be successful in this team, I’m going to take more of an approach as a playmaker,” said Wright.
“I think we have much-better imports and we have a system that will allow me to still have freedom to play my game, but I think the best way for us to win in Kyoto is for me to play a lot more point guard this year,” he furthered.
PBA also got a glimpse of that playmaking ability from Wright who placed second in the assists department in his final conference with Phoenix with 5.9 assists per game. He also averaged 15 points and five rebounds per contest.
“I think for us to be successful in this team, I’m going to take more of an approach as a playmaker,” said Wright.
“I think we have much-better imports and we have a system that will allow me to still have freedom to play my game, but I think the best way for us to win in Kyoto is for me to play a lot more point guard this year.”
“That’s nothing that I’m not familiar with, I’ve played point guard before in college so it’s going to be a challenge and it’s more exciting,” he added.