Ramu Tokashiki headlines Japan’s roster in search for Women's Asia Cup four-peat
TOKYO (Japan) - The Japan Basketball Association (JBA) have announced their final roster for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2019 Division A. The competition will be held in Bengaluru, India from 24-29 September.
| Japan's 12-player roster for FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2019 | ||
| Moeko Nagaoka | Maki Takada | Ramu Tokashiki |
| Rika Tanimura | Rui Machida | Sanae Motokawa |
| Nako Motohashi | Saki Hayashi | Evelyn Mawuli |
| Aya Watanabe | Yuki Miyazawa | Akaho Himawari |
Highlighted among the 12 players named is Ramu Tokashiki, the 2-time Asia Cup champion and MVP from the 2013 and 2015 editions of the competition. The high scoring forward and former WNBA player is expected to be the team’s star in the quest to secure Japan’s 4th consecutive title.
(Ramu Tokashiki, FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2015)
Japan will be missing out on the services of the legendary and recently retired Asami Yoshida who had led the team throughout the three-peat. Nonetheless, there will be a number of Asia Cup veterans among the roster this year.
Five players from the 2017 championship squad have been listed to defend the title, including Yuki Miyazawa who was also on all of the teams during the three-peat. Also named on the team is Moeko Nagaoka, who led the 2017 team in scoring, and Maki Takada, who led the 2017 team in rebounds and has also played in 4 of the past 5 Asia Cups.
(Yuki Miyazawa, FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017)
In 2017, Japan successfully claimed their third straight Women's Asia Cup title on an inspiring performance in a dramatic win over Australia in the title game. They are once again pegged as one of the favorites of the competition as it heads back to Bengaluru.
FIBA
