TOKYO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Japan's veterans will take centerstage as they aim to inch closer to a berth in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

The Akatsuki Five are considered one of the hottest teams in the current Asian Qualifiers, what with their winning their last four games, including being the only side so far to inflict a loss on mighty Australia.

This time, however, Japan will be without two players who were arguably the biggest reasons they've been on the rise - Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe. Hachimura is currently playing for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the US NCAA, while Watanabe is toiling as a two-way contract player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA.

“We have always been in a tough situation during these Asian Qualifiers," he said. "I just want to concentrate on what we will need to do without breaking under the pressure" - Yudai Baba

 Without their two young studs carrying the load, Japan will be forced to revert back to their old reliables to pick up the pieces and try to sustain their immaculate slate in the second round.

One guy who will be back is veteran Daiki Tanaka, who shone for Japan in the recent FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2018. Tanaka will see much of the offense flow through him in the fifth window, and he's ready to step up in the midst of their challenging situation.

"We have always been in a tough situation during these Asian Qualifiers," he said. "I just want to concentrate on what we will need to do without breaking under the pressure."

Tanaka will bank on his years of experience playing for the national team, and he hopes he can set an example for the younger players on the pool like Yudai Baba, who knows his role is to give his team a lift in spirit.

"I think my role is to boost the team with my aggressive performance," said the 23-year-old. "I believe the young generation like me need to build Japanese basketball up as well as to take over the paths that our seniors have achieved. We want Japan to become invincible in Asia, and we want to open new horizons for future Japanese players."

Tanaka concurs with Baba, sharing how huge it would be for Japan to clinch a berth in the World Cup. The Akatsuki Five have not seen action on the world stage since 2006, when they hosted the quadrennial affair, and Tanaka knows that if they succeed, it could really be a catalyst for Japanese hoops to rise even higher.

"Getting the World Cup berth will just be the beginning," said Tanaka. "For Japan to become stronger and better, we first need to get the berth, and it will open future opportunities to our young generations."

Both Tanaka and Baba know it will not be easy to get two wins in the fifth window, but with their fans cheering them on in each of their home games, they are confident of their chances to extend their victorious streak.

 "If we can play faithfully the way Coach Lamas wants us, I believe we can win," Baba said. "Of course, I would like our fans to give us warm cheers and fight with us!"

Japan will open their fifth window assignments against Qatar on 30 November and close it against Kazakhstan on 3 December. Both matches will be held at the Toyama City Gymnasium.

FIBA

One guy who will be back is veteran Daiki Tanaka, who shone for Japan in the recent FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2018. Tanaka will see much of the offense flow through him in the fifth window, and he's ready to step up in the midst of their challenging situation.

"We have always been in a tough situation during these Asian Qualifiers," he said. "I just want to concentrate on what we will need to do without breaking under the pressure."

Tanaka will bank on his years of experience playing for the national team, and he hopes he can set an example for the younger players on the pool like Yudai Baba, who knows his role is to give his team a lift in spirit.

"I think my role is to boost the team with my aggressive performance," said the 23-year-old. "I believe the young generation like me need to build Japanese basketball up as well as to take over the paths that our seniors have achieved. We want Japan to become invincible in Asia, and we want to open new horizons for future Japanese players."

Tanaka concurs with Baba, sharing how huge it would be for Japan to clinch a berth in the World Cup. The Akatsuki Five have not seen action on the world stage since 2006, when they hosted the quadrennial affair, and Tanaka knows that if they succeed, it could really be a catalyst for Japanese hoops to rise even higher.

"Getting the World Cup berth will just be the beginning," said Tanaka. "For Japan to become stronger and better, we first need to get the berth, and it will open future opportunities to our young generations."