ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Jack Shiratani has been solid in the ongoing FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 and much of the credit goes to the experience he's garnered playing for Japan in the youth level over the past two years.
His name may ring a bell for some and that's because he's now playing in the second straight edition of this biennial continental tournament, having competed in the 2023 competitions held in Doha, Qatar.
And yes, the 1.94 M (6'4") forward was also part of the Japanese team that saw action in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup last year in Amman, Jordan as their youngest player, as he was only 15 at that time.
That's why it should no longer be a surprise why Shiratani has been a major reason behind the East Asian side's 2-0 start in the current U16 festivities with averages of 12.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 5.5 steals.
As commendable as his showings are thus far, he's far from satisfied, wanting to achieve bigger things with the youth team this time. Know more about it in this quick Q&A with the promising talent.
This is already your second FIBA U16 Asia Cup campaign, something that's indeed rare to be seen at the youth level. Add to that your stint during last year's FIBA U18 Asia Cup. How much of an experience has this all been for you personally?
Jack: This rare experience has provided me with great inspiration. It has enabled me to train while constantly keeping in mind the global standards of basketball.
Can you tell us more about how and when you started playing basketball? And, how did you find your way to play for the Japanese national team?
I began playing basketball casually with my older brother’s friends. My performance at the national tournament in my first year of junior high school was nationally recognized, and I was selected for the U16 national team.
You have been playing solidly in two games thus far, and Japan have gone 2-0 as well. Is this your way of showing that you can lead by example, given that you've been with the youth team for a couple of years now?
Although we were able to secure two victories, both as a team and as an individual there remain many areas for improvement. It is essential for me to continue developing with each game.
Is there somebody from the Japanese senior team that you idolize? If yes, how much of an influence are they to you as a player?
The player I admire most is Rui Hachimura. I am working hard to become an all-around player like him.
Your first U16 experience back in 2023 ended with a fifth-place finish. How positive are you that this current team would be able to bring Japan back to the Final?
Our initial goal is to finish first in our group, and then to reach the Semi-Finals in order to qualify for the [FIBA U17 Basketball] World Cup.
FIBA