Japan’s Men’s Basketball Team: A New Era of Hope for Paris 2024

Japan’s men’s basketball team, also known as Akatsuki Japan, is on the cusp of a new era of success. After competing in the FIBA World Cup 2023 and earning qualification to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the team is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

A Look at Japan’s Key Numbers

• World Ranking: 26th
• Olympic Games Appearances: 7
• Medals: None
• FIBA World Cup Appearances: 6
• Medals: None
• FIBA Asia Cup Appearances: 28
• Medals: Gold (1965, 1971), Silver (1969, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1997), Bronze (1960, 1967, 1977, 1981, 1987, 1991, 1995)
• Asian Games Appearances: 19
• Medals: Silver (1951, 1962), Bronze (1954, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2014)

Can Japan Reach the Knockout Stage at Paris 2024?

Japan’s record at the Olympic Games is not impressive, with the team never having reached the knockout stage. However, with the possible inclusion of Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers and Yuta Watanabe leading a revamped squad, Japan may finally have the talent and depth to make a deep run in the tournament.

Rui Hachimura is a key player for Japan’s men’s basketball team

Japan’s Group at Paris 2024

Japan has been drawn into Group B along with France, World Cup champions Germany, and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) Latvia. The team’s group phase games are as follows:

• vs Germany (July 27)
• vs France (July 30)
• vs Winner OQT Latvia (August 2)

The Importance of Hachimura and Watanabe

Hachimura and Watanabe are the two players who will be crucial to Japan’s success at Paris 2024. Hachimura is coming off one of his strongest seasons in the NBA, posting a career-high in games played (68) while recording 13.6 points and 4.3 assists per game. Watanabe, on the other hand, has always stepped up when called upon by the national team, averaging 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game through three tournaments.

Yuta Watanabe is a key player for Japan’s men’s basketball team

Conclusion

Japan’s men’s basketball team is on the rise, and Paris 2024 may be the perfect opportunity for the team to make a statement on the international stage. With Hachimura and Watanabe leading the charge, Japan may finally have the talent and depth to reach the knockout stage and make a deep run in the tournament.