Brazil's Leandro Vissotto was key to JT Thunders' victory in the Japan V.League
Tokyo, Japan, April 7, 2015 - Brazilian opposite Leandro Vissotto Neves fuelled the Hiroshima-based JT Thunders’ crusade to seize the Japan V.League 2014/2015 title.
During the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Poland, Vissotto talked about his contribution to the success of the JT Thunders, his height and skills helping the club to victory in the top Japanese league.
The towering Brazilian not only helped JT Thunders to secure the title but has also made the club a strong contender for next season. Vissotto’s performance was rewarded with a Best Server award. He was also made a member of the Dream Team, along with team-mates Yu Koshikawa, Hitoshi Machino and Akihiro Fukatsu.
Even adversaries Suntory Birds have recognised Vissotto's contributions as a core element in JT Thunders’ offence.
“We have to look out for JT Thunders’ key players Vissotto and Koshikawa,” Suntory Birds captain Kota Yamamura said in a press conference. “We have to fight when these players serve because it puts a lot of pressure on our defence.”
The JT Thunders’ title victory is historic, as this is the club’s first title in the Japanese League in 82 years, after coming only second in seasons 1973, 1978, 1996/1997, 2000/2001, 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2013, 2014. Before playing in Japan, Vissotto played for Suwon Kepco 45 in Korea.
“It was a historic day in my career and in the history of JT Thunders, who fought so hard to win their first title in 82 years of the Japanese League,” Vissotto said. “This is one of the most special achievements in my career. We worked hard the entire season. Congratulations to the whole team for this achievement.”
One of the highlights in world volleyball this season is the FIVB Volleyball World League, with the Group 1 Finals to be hosted at the Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro. With Vissotto’s excellent club season, he will be a worthy addition to the Brazilian men’s team lineup this season.