Champions ready for title defense as final roster named
TOKYO (FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017) – Reigning champions Japan have settled on the 12 players who will defend their coveted silverware at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 in Bengaluru.
Having initially cast his net wide with no fewer than 34 players given the chance to impress, new head coach Tom Hovasse has made his final choice.
For Japan's roster page click here
| Japan roster for FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 | |||
| Sakura Akaho | Manami Fujioka | Miyuki Kawamura | Kaede Kondo |
| Rui Machida | Evelyn Mawuli | Yuki Miyazawa | Saki Mizushima |
| Moeko Nagaoka | Yuka Osaki | Maki Takada | Asami Yoshida |
Asami Yoshida who played an integral role in Japan's excellent showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics headlines the list. She's joined on the list by other regulars such as Yuka Osaki (Yuka Mamiya), Rui Machida and Maki Takada. However, WNBA star Ramu Tokashiki won't be suiting up at the event.
Back in 2013, before stepping out in Bangkok, Japan were still trying to end an eye-watering drought of four decades without a title and now they stand on the verge of a memorable three-peat. Although this time around, they are likely to have to outgun Oceania arrivals, Australia and New Zealand.
Japan tip-off their defense against rank outsiders Philippines on July 23.
FIBA
