TOKYO (Kyodo) -- After losing an entire season to a major knee injury, Japanese basketball prospect Ibu Yamazaki is back on the court and making strides for Division I Radford University in the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The 201-centimeter forward had just completed his first season of college hoops and was preparing for an international tournament in the summer of 2023 when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee, while also damaging the medial collateral ligament.

He initially feared he would never regain his athleticism, but after committing fully to his rehabilitation, he feels stronger than ever playing for the central Virginia school, which competes in the NCAA's Big South conference.

"I was worried about whether I could get back to normal during rebab, but I'm glad I worked really hard at it," said the 21-year-old, who led Miyagi's Sendai University Meisei High School to the 2020 Japanese national high school championship.

Yamazaki, who hails from Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, sat out the entire 2023-2024 college basketball season while rehabbing his knee.

"I would get anxious if I had too much time on my hands, so I made my schedule as busy as possible," he said.

He would start his day with 7 a.m. yoga, while spending his time after class on injury rebab, strength training and shooting practice.

His effort throughout his difficult period on the sidelines is reflected in his improved three-point stroke this season.

While he was out injured, Yamazaki twice went to watch fellow Meisei High alumnus Rui Hachimura play for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Japanese men's national team star told him not to rush back to the court and to take things "one step at a time."

Since returning for Radford this season, Yamazaki has made himself a key player and worked his way into the starting lineup, earning plaudits from head coach Darris Nichols for his court smarts and versatility.

"I'm in better condition than before my injury," Yamazaki said. "I'm grateful to be here now and I want to enjoy my basketball."