TOKYO (2016 Rio Olympics) - Yuta Watanabe was just 16 years old when he got his first invitation to practice with Japan's senior team.

A couple of years later, he experienced a FIBA Asia Championship in Manila, the Philippines, for the first time. The 2.03m forward has fond memories of being with the national side at that tournament, and the other occasions when he's had the privilege to put on the Japan shirt.

Now 21, the national team experience is something he often thinks about, even while studying in the United States at George Washington University and playing in the NCAA.

The first time I wore the Japan national team jersey, I was 16, and the youngest player ever for Japan. It made me feel so good when I looked around, to see all these famous Japanese basketball players. It gives me great pride in myself to play for Japan. - Watanabe

"It's an emotional and proud feeling to listen to the national anthem, and to know you are representing something bigger than just yourself is a great feeling," he said to gwsports.com.

Watanabe will be in the mix for a spot in Japan's squad at one of next year's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs). He has had a good start to the NCAA campaign with the Colonials, averaging 9.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

Japan coach Kenji Hasegawa is looking to strengthen the squad that finished fourth at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha-Hunan. The Japanese made a surprising a run to the Semi-Finals to clinch a place in one of next year's three six-team OQTs.

After the tournament, Hasegawa said he wanted to strengthen the squad and to consider adding "new talents and prospects."

While Japan will be hoping to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Games, they also have the aim of being among the top sides at the 2020 Olympics, when the sports extravaganza is staged in Tokyo.

There is every chance that Watanabe will be among the team's star attractions.

FIBA