[Tokushima Gambarous] Announcement of Eitaro IWAMATSU's Retirement from Professional Basketball

TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS announces that player Eitaro IWAMATSU will retire from professional basketball at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

We express our deepest respect for IWAMATSU's achievements and sincerely wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

©︎TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS

#13 Eitaro IWAMATSU

Date of Birth: July 30, 1995 (30 years old)

Hometown: Kumamoto Prefecture

Height/Weight: 179 cm / 75 kg

Position: SG

Career: Tokai University 2019–21 Gifu Swoops 2021–23 Tryhoop Okayama July 2023–25 Gifu Swoops 2025–26 Tokushima Gambarous

Message from Eitaro IWAMATSU

Thank you so much for your unwavering support and encouragement throughout my career.

As announced, I have decided to conclude my seven-year journey as a professional basketball player at the end of this season.

As I write this message, reflecting on the past seven years, my heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who has supported me.

This may be a bit long, but please allow me to share my final thoughts.

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Owner Fujita and President Usuki of TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS, who believed in my potential and gave me a great opportunity this season.

Although it was a new challenge in a new city, through experiencing Owner Fujita's passion and President Usuki's strong determination, I deeply reflected on what it truly means to be a member of TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS and the responsibility of being a professional basketball player.

The season was long, and there were countless difficult and joyful moments. Each time, our team stood united, facing forward and continuing to fight.

Although we were unable to achieve our biggest goals, the 55 games I played—loving the city of Tokushima and fighting alongside its people—will remain an unforgettable treasure for the rest of my life.

Once again, thank you so much for your passion and love.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone from Gifu Swoops and Tryhoop Okayama—staff, teammates, and fans—who supported me throughout my career.

It is because of the encounters, connections, and opportunities I received from all of you that I have been able to continue my journey until today. Every moment and experience in each place has become an irreplaceable asset in my life.

Thank you so much.

And to Coach Kobayashi of TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS.

I believe it was Yasu-san who guided me into the professional world and allowed me to walk this wonderful career path. Whenever I was about to stray from the right path, he always guided me back. To me, Yasu-san is more than just a senior—he is a family-like presence.

That is why I am truly proud to conclude my playing career at such a wonderful club, TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS, and under Yasu-san's guidance. Thank you.

And to my parents.

Father and mother, who raised me with more love than anyone else since I was a child.

Because you were there, I was able to see sights I could never have seen alone and experience a world I could never have known.

I am deeply grateful that you never dismissed my dreams and always believed in me, pushing me forward no matter what.

I don't know how much I've been able to repay you, but if I have been even a little bit of a son you can be proud of, there is nothing more joyful.

Thank you.

Finally, I have played as a professional basketball player for seven years.

It was never a smooth journey. There were many difficult and regretful moments.

Even so, I am truly proud to have competed on this stage for seven years, and today, I will allow myself to forgive and accept myself.

Throughout these seven years, I have strived not only to play basketball but also to be a player whose 'passion' reaches deep into the hearts of those who come to the arena.

Today, my journey comes to a close, and if that passion has reached even a little into someone's heart, there is nothing more fulfilling.

Once again, I offer my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey.

It was a good journey.

Eitaro IWAMATSU

©︎TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS©︎TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS

©︎TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS©︎TOKUSHIMA GAMBAROUS