Report on the Departure of #27 Kenta Whitaker
The Ryukyu Golden Kings announced the departure of player Kenta Whitaker, whose contract expired at the end of the 2024-26 season. Whitaker expressed gratitude for his two years with the team, during which he experienced playing on the B1 stage.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 2, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 2, 2026 at 10:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 19:15 (8h 54m after Collected)
We hereby announce that the contract with #27 Kenta Whitaker has expired, and he will be leaving the team.
Kenta Whitaker
Date of Birth: December 15, 1997
Height: 202cm
Weight: 106kg
Position: PF/C
Place of Birth: Tokyo
Education: Aoyama Gakuin University
Career Highlights:
2019-20 Kumamoto Volters (Special Designated Player)
2020-22 Kumamoto Volters
2022-23 Nagasaki Velca
2023-24 Kagoshima Rebnise
2024-26 Ryukyu Golden Kings
Club Comment:
Since joining the Kings as a trainee and subsequently signing a professional contract, Whitaker has consistently worked toward his own growth and the team's success in daily practice, sincerely addressing every role assigned to him.
He approached practice with high aspirations, and as a bilingual speaker, he served as a bridge between international and Japanese players, positively impacting the team. We are truly grateful for his constant positive effort and support.
We sincerely thank Whitaker for his contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter.
Player Comment:
I am leaving the Ryukyu Golden Kings after this season. I am filled with nothing but gratitude for these two years, during which I was given a chance when I was injured and without a team, stood on the B1 stage for the first time, and experienced two Finals appearances and the EASL. Thank you to all the club staff for giving me this opportunity.
Although there were many challenges over these two seasons, looking back, I only recall happy memories. It was such a happy time!
I have come to love the people, nature, food, and culture of Okinawa. It is rare to find a place that welcomes you so warmly and allows you to build such connections after becoming an adult. It is very sad to leave this place, but I look forward to returning after further growth.
Finally, thank you to all the fans who continued to support me through painful times with injuries and during my first game at the Okinawa Suntory Arena! You are the best fans in the world!
Nife-debirutan (Thank you)!
Matayarsai (See you later)!
Kenta Whitaker
Date of Birth: December 15, 1997
Height: 202cm
Weight: 106kg
Position: PF/C
Place of Birth: Tokyo
Education: Aoyama Gakuin University
Career Highlights:
2019-20 Kumamoto Volters (Special Designated Player)
2020-22 Kumamoto Volters
2022-23 Nagasaki Velca
2023-24 Kagoshima Rebnise
2024-26 Ryukyu Golden Kings
Club Comment:
Since joining the Kings as a trainee and subsequently signing a professional contract, Whitaker has consistently worked toward his own growth and the team's success in daily practice, sincerely addressing every role assigned to him.
He approached practice with high aspirations, and as a bilingual speaker, he served as a bridge between international and Japanese players, positively impacting the team. We are truly grateful for his constant positive effort and support.
We sincerely thank Whitaker for his contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter.
Player Comment:
I am leaving the Ryukyu Golden Kings after this season. I am filled with nothing but gratitude for these two years, during which I was given a chance when I was injured and without a team, stood on the B1 stage for the first time, and experienced two Finals appearances and the EASL. Thank you to all the club staff for giving me this opportunity.
Although there were many challenges over these two seasons, looking back, I only recall happy memories. It was such a happy time!
I have come to love the people, nature, food, and culture of Okinawa. It is rare to find a place that welcomes you so warmly and allows you to build such connections after becoming an adult. It is very sad to leave this place, but I look forward to returning after further growth.
Finally, thank you to all the fans who continued to support me through painful times with injuries and during my first game at the Okinawa Suntory Arena! You are the best fans in the world!
Nife-debirutan (Thank you)!
Matayarsai (See you later)!
FAQ
ウィタカケンタ選手はどのチームを退団しましたか？
琉球ゴールデンキングスを退団しました。
ウィタカケンタ選手のポジションは何ですか？
PF/C（パワーフォワード/センター）です。
ウィタカケンタ選手はいつ琉球ゴールデンキングスに加入しましたか？
2024年に加入しました。
ウィタカケンタ選手の出身校はどこですか？
青山学院大学です。
球団はウィタカ選手の貢献をどのように評価していますか？
練習に対する高い向上心や、バイリンガルとしてのコミュニケーター役など、チームに良い影響を与えたと高く評価し感謝しています。