2024-02-22 15:49:49
Yuto Kawashima, thinking that his role has come, makes a bold attack.
Josh Harrelson had a double-double with 11 points and 21 rebounds.
“FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifying Window 1”(Hereinafter referred to as Window 1) The first match will be held on February 22nd (Thursday) at Ariake Coliseum. The Japan men’s national team played against Guam and won 77-56. In the other match in Group C, China will travel to Japan after defeating Mongolia 80-49. The next match will be held on Sunday, February 25th at 14:00 (doors open at 12:30) between Japan and China, who both got off to a winning start.
In the game against Guam, they aggressively took 3-point shots from the start, demonstrating Japan’s style. As the buzzer sounded to end the first half, Yuki Kawamura (Yokohama Bee Corsairs) made a 3-point shot. However, they could only make 6 of their 25 3-point shots, resulting in a lack of accuracy at 25%, and Guam ended the first half with a 35-36 lead. Head coach Tom Horvath said, “We faced the same problems we had at the FIBA World Cup, and we kept making mistakes on open shots and turnovers.”
Despite not being able to get into the groove in the first half, Josh Harrelson (Saga Ballooners) made three 3-point shots, and this day marked his debut with the Japan national team. “I have 13 years of experience playing professionally, so I would like to bring that experience back to the Japan national team,” as I step on the court. He contributed not only to offense but also to rebounding, which is an issue for Japan, with 11 points and 21 rebounds. Although he has only recently joined the team, the style that Head Coach Horvath is aiming for has become pervasive, as he reflected, “There were times when we weren’t playing our own basketball.” The factors that were able to be corrected in the second half were: “Kawashima (Yuto) brought good energy to the team, and Taves (Umi) had good penetration.Each player was able to play a role, and the team as a whole It was a well-earned victory,” Harrelson said, praising the efforts of his teammates.
At 18 years, 8 months and 26 days old, the team’s youngest player, Yuto Kawashima (NBA Global Academy), will also make his debut, giving the team momentum. In his second turn, which came with 5 minutes and 47 seconds left in the third quarter, he showed his true potential, saying, “I was able to adjust to the atmosphere, and my teammates called out to me, which relieved my nerves.” Although he was blocked at times, he was able to attack the goal without being intimidated by a large opponent and was able to respond to the team’s defense. Head coach Horvath freely praised Kawashima, saying, “Kawashima was amazing.” Although Kawashima was nervous, he calmly reflected on his play after the match.
“I think it was really good for me that I was able to create a flow with a drive when the flow was slow.In the first half, when I couldn’t get a 3-point shot, Tom told me, “Go ahead and make more cuts.” , I played with all my might, thinking that my role had come.In the final finishing scene, I knew my opponent was going to try to block, but I still hit the ball, which is something I regret.I dodged with a fake. , I was able to make an open 3-point shot by my teammate if I matched the pass, so I’d like to review the footage carefully and make corrections.”
Lastly, I would like to share my thoughts on the debut match between Harrelson and Kawashima, who are expected to do even better.
“It was the first time I had ever played in a game wearing the uniform of the Japan national team.It was a wonderful feeling that was different from when I wore the NBA uniform or the University of Kentucky uniform.Of course, when I play, I was nervous, but the excitement was stronger than the nervousness.What I was most conscious of was playing for the Japanese national team, and I thought I was able to do that. (Harrelson)
“It was fun and I was happy to play.I was nervous in the first half, and my legs were really hurting, but after my second substitution, I was able to adjust to the atmosphere, and my teammates were very vocal. “I was able to relieve my nervousness because of that.” (Kawashima)
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