MIES (Switzerland) - Legendary playmaker Yuko Oga of Japan is being inducted to the FIBA Hall of Fame in recognition of the contribution the dynamic guard made to the sport in her homeland and beyond.

A baller who had every fan on the edge of their seat in any game that she played, her speed, intensity, energy, creativity and determination to try new things on the court and to entertain was worshiped by those that saw her playing. 

Her levels of competitiveness were off the charts and with her slashes to the basket, handles, crossovers, three-point shooting, or assists, Oga really did establish herself as the trailblazer in globally promoting the Japanese style of basketball. 

Her ability to put points on the scoreboard was never in question and in 2010 at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, she dazzled spectators in typical fashion as she finished as the top scorer with a sensational 19 points per game.

Taking to the floor at no fewer than seven FIBA Women's Asia Cup events from 2001 until 2013, she was a leader for her team throughout those tournaments. Most fittingly, having landed three bronze medals and two silvers, she was finally crowned champion on her last appearance when Japan claimed the title. 

Earlier in her career, Oga had also made a mark when she became the youngest ever player to represent Japan at the Olympic Games when she played in 2004 in Athens. 

At club level, she was the number one player in Japan for many years - clearly evidenced by nine Championship titles and seven Cups, as well as winning MVP of the  League in 2017. She also famously went to the WNBA, where she played for the Phoenix Mercury.

In recent years, Oga has moved into coaching and mainly 3x3. Judging by her explosive moves when she was out on the court, she certainly has plenty to offer.

Oga is being enshrined in the Class of 2023 that includes Amaya Valdemoro (Spain), Penny Taylor (Australia), Katrina McClain (USA), Wlamir Marques (Brazil), Yao Ming (China), Liem Tjien Siong / Sonny Hendrawan (Indonesia), Angelo Monteiro dos Santos Victoriano (Angola); with both Carlos Loyzaga (Philippines) and Zurab Sakandelidze (Georgia) being inducted posthumously. The Class also includes deserved recognition for coaching duo Valerie Garnier (France) and Alessandro Gamba (Italy).

FIBA