Tatsuya Ito is enjoying a solid rookie season for the Kyoto Hannaryz.

The steady point guard has showcased his scoring ability and excited fans with his passing acumen along the way. In Kyoto’s 74-72 road defeat to the Shiga Lakestars on Sunday, the 23-year-old contributed 13 points and a season-high 11 assists.

The Tokai University alum has started all 49 games he’s appeared in this season, helping the Hannaryz (31-20) clinch a playoff berth. Ito is averaging 8.7 points, 4.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals for longtime coach Honoo Hamaguchi’s club.

Blessed with youthful exuberance and a passion for the game, the 173-cm Ito has amassed 207 assists against 87 turnovers. He notched 10 assists against the SeaHorses Mikawa on Christmas Eve and Alvark Tokyo on Jan. 21.

Source: Rookie guard Tatsuya Ito’s solid game helps Kyoto make playoffs | The Japan Times