TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Shooting guard Kazuma Tsuya has become a star of Japan's B-League and a member of the men's national basketball team while playing with a hearing impairment, and he hopes to motivate other people with similar conditions.

The 191-centimeter San-en Neophoenix standout takes to the court wearing a hearing aid, without which he virtually cannot hear.

The condition did not stop the Aomori Prefecture native from pursuing his basketball career, first at powerhouse Rakunan High School in distant Kyoto, then at Tokai University, before turning pro.

"I absolutely never wanted to think of it as a handicap," said the 26-year-old, who achieved the highlight of his career so far when he debuted for Akatsuki Japan in a Feb. 20 Asia Cup qualifier against China.

"Regardless of hearing loss or something else, I want people to see that I can play at the top level."

Tsuya, who returned to the Neopheonix after two seasons with Sunrockers Shibuya, is among the B-League's sharpest shooters and is known for putting up shots from far beyond the three-point arc.

His 43.3-percent success rate on three-pointers ranked him third-best in the B-League first division through February.

Tsuya, also a capable defender, has emerged from Central Conference-topping San-en's deep roster as a regular starter, earning a long-coveted national team call-up in the process.

"I just couldn't let go of my desire to play there," said Tsuya, who was inspired by the likes of Paris Olympics forward and fellow 26-year-old Hirotaka Yoshii. "I felt my work really paid off."

National team head coach Tom Hovasse, who has built a playing style based on speed and three-pointers, is expecting big things from Tsuya.

"He really is a hard worker. His shots are going in well too," the American said. "I think he would fit into our style."

While still on the basketball court, Tsuya has another focus in the form of the Deaflympics, to be hosted in Japan for the first time in November.

"I don't know if we'd call it a two-way role, but I'll be giving my best to put in a proper shift in both," he said. "It'll be great if there are more people (inspired by me) to take on many challenges."