JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Japan don’t just bring talent to the FIBA Asia Cup. They bring options. And against Syria, that depth was on full display.
Veteran forward Joshua Hawkinson was the steadying presence Japan expected him to be, finishing with a stellar double-double while commanding the interior with quiet dominance. However, it was Hirotaka Yoshii who lit the spark.
Coming off the bench, the 27-year-old guard played one of his most complete games in a national team jersey. He brought pace, pressure, and poise—hounding Syria’s guards on defense and pushing the tempo in transition. His hustle-filled third-quarter shift gave Japan the breathing room they needed.
"Yoshii’s energy is so important for our team," said veetran playmaker Yuki Togashi. "He’s really improved, and he’s become one of the best players on this squad."
Hovasse echoed that praise, pointing to how Japan turned the tide once they got back to their style: fast, disruptive and team-first. And in that flow, it's not always the biggest names who shine.
"Once we got steals and stops, the flow changed, and we got to do what we do best," he said. "I am glad we won, and the way it happened will help us in the long run. I like the options we have as we have players who can play multiple positions."
It’s a microcosm of what Japan hopes will be their biggest edge in this tournament: not just one or two heroes, but a full ensemble of contributors.
With key names like Togashi, Yudai Baba and Keisei Tominaga returning from recent stints abroad, and players like Yoshii and Hawkinson embracing the spotlight, Japan aren’t banking on individual brilliance. They’re building momentum on collective effort.
"There’s a lot of players who want to be on this team," Hovasse said. "When you have that, the sky is the limit."
That mindset will be vital against Iran in their next game, a clash that promises physicality and high-level intensity.
Hawkinson may continue to be the constant and Yoshii the x-factor, but for Japan to go deep, it’ll take everyone pulling together. And if their comeback win over Syria was any indication, they’re ready to do just that.
FIBA