#53 Alex Kirk Announces Departure from Ryukyu Golden Kings
The Ryukyu Golden Kings have announced that player #53 Alex Kirk's contract has expired and he will be leaving the team. Kirk played for the Kings from 2023 to 2026, contributing significantly to the team and Japanese basketball, including winning the Emperor's Cup and representing Japan.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 11:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 7, 2026 at 01:27 (86h 6m after Collected)
We hereby announce that the player contract with #53 Alex Kirk has expired, and he will be leaving the team.
Alex Kirk
Date of Birth: November 14, 1991
Height: 211cm
Weight: 114kg
Position: C
Origin: United States of America
Alma Mater: University of New Mexico
Main Career:
2014-15 Cleveland Cavaliers(NBA)/Canton Charge(NBA G League)
2015-16 Pistoia Basket 2000(Italy)
2016-17 Guangzhou Loong Lions(China)
Anadolu Efes(Turkey)
2017-23 Alvark Tokyo
2023-26 Ryukyu Golden Kings
▽Team Comment
Throughout his tenure, Kirk brought a significant presence to the team as a naturalized player, supporting the Kings on both offense and defense.
Furthermore, in addition to his performance with the Kings, he also demonstrated his abilities on the stage of the Japanese national team, bringing great value not only to the team but also to the Japanese basketball world. Not only his presence on the court, but his dedicated play and professional attitude were indispensable to the team.
We sincerely thank Kirk for his immense contributions to the Kings and sincerely wish him continued success in his new stage.
▽Player Comment
My family and I would like to thank the entire Ryukyu organization and fans for an unbelievable 3 years. I came here as an injury replacement for Jack and now leaving with an Emperor’s Cup championship, 3 more finals appearances, multiple opportunities with the Japanese national team, and most importantly a full family! Thank you for the support on and off the court. We created a beautiful community here and saying bye is very tough. My favorite moments include winning the Emperor’s Cup vs Alvark and traveling all over Asia with an amazing group of people. I also will never forget the support I felt when the announcer said my name during the World Cup Asian Qualifiers China game in Okinawa Suntory Arena. Our time together could have been longer but thank you for all the memories.
On behalf of my family and myself, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Ryukyu organization and the fans for an amazing three years here.
I came to Okinawa as an emergency injury replacement for Jack, and now I leave with an Emperor's Cup championship, three finals appearances, numerous experiences with the Japanese national team, and most importantly, having gained a family. Thank you for all the support on and off the court. We built a wonderful community here in Okinawa, and it is very hard to say goodbye to all of you.
What stands out most in my memory is winning the Emperor's Cup final against Alvark Tokyo and traveling all over Asia with a great group of teammates. Also, I will never forget the roar of the crowd when the arena MC called my name during the World Cup Asian Qualifiers game against China at Okinawa Suntory Arena.
I wish we could have had more time together, but thank you so much for all the memories.
Alex Kirk
Date of Birth: November 14, 1991
Height: 211cm
Weight: 114kg
Position: C
Origin: United States of America
Alma Mater: University of New Mexico
Main Career:
2014-15 Cleveland Cavaliers(NBA)/Canton Charge(NBA G League)
2015-16 Pistoia Basket 2000(Italy)
2016-17 Guangzhou Loong Lions(China)
Anadolu Efes(Turkey)
2017-23 Alvark Tokyo
2023-26 Ryukyu Golden Kings
▽Team Comment
Throughout his tenure, Kirk brought a significant presence to the team as a naturalized player, supporting the Kings on both offense and defense.
Furthermore, in addition to his performance with the Kings, he also demonstrated his abilities on the stage of the Japanese national team, bringing great value not only to the team but also to the Japanese basketball world. Not only his presence on the court, but his dedicated play and professional attitude were indispensable to the team.
We sincerely thank Kirk for his immense contributions to the Kings and sincerely wish him continued success in his new stage.
▽Player Comment
My family and I would like to thank the entire Ryukyu organization and fans for an unbelievable 3 years. I came here as an injury replacement for Jack and now leaving with an Emperor’s Cup championship, 3 more finals appearances, multiple opportunities with the Japanese national team, and most importantly a full family! Thank you for the support on and off the court. We created a beautiful community here and saying bye is very tough. My favorite moments include winning the Emperor’s Cup vs Alvark and traveling all over Asia with an amazing group of people. I also will never forget the support I felt when the announcer said my name during the World Cup Asian Qualifiers China game in Okinawa Suntory Arena. Our time together could have been longer but thank you for all the memories.
On behalf of my family and myself, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Ryukyu organization and the fans for an amazing three years here.
I came to Okinawa as an emergency injury replacement for Jack, and now I leave with an Emperor's Cup championship, three finals appearances, numerous experiences with the Japanese national team, and most importantly, having gained a family. Thank you for all the support on and off the court. We built a wonderful community here in Okinawa, and it is very hard to say goodbye to all of you.
What stands out most in my memory is winning the Emperor's Cup final against Alvark Tokyo and traveling all over Asia with a great group of teammates. Also, I will never forget the roar of the crowd when the arena MC called my name during the World Cup Asian Qualifiers game against China at Okinawa Suntory Arena.
I wish we could have had more time together, but thank you so much for all the memories.
FAQ
When did Alex Kirk leave the Ryukyu Golden Kings?
He left after the 2026 season upon the expiration of his contract.
What is Alex Kirk's next team?
It is currently undecided.
Which university did Alex Kirk attend?
The University of New Mexico.