JPN - Oga in confident mood ahead of Bangkok test

TOKYO (FIBA Asia Championship for Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Yuko Oga will once again be the ace in the pack when Japan try to land gold at the FIBA Asia Championship for Women, with the guard eager to head back to the FIBA World Championship for Women next year in a tournament she lit up three years ago.

Reflecting on her last outing in Czech Republic when she was the top scorer in the competition with 19.1 points per game, Oga is eager to ensure that Japan use the FIBA Asia Women Championship in Bangkok, Thailand later this month (27 October-3 November) as a gateway back onto the global stage.

"Of course, my main motivation is to make it to the FIBA World Championship and especially after missing the London Olympics last year," she confirmed.

Oga led Japan to a 10th-place finish in 2010, providing some of the most memorable moments on the highlight reel.

"The buzzer-beater against Argentina in the last second," is how Oga recalled her own favourite memory with an accompanying smile.

At the last FIBA Asia Championship for Women in 2011, Japan were hosts but had to settle for a bronze medal and according to Oga, they will need even more focus this time if they want to make the podium again and claim a berth for Turkey next year.

"We need to be ready for this tournament and ready to show some real Japanese pride," she warned.

"Because the tournament is located outside of our country this time, every game will be like playing an away game.

"That is the reason we need to build our confidence from each day of practice and in our daily lives leading up to Bangkok.

"One of the keys for our success will be rebounding," continued Oga.

"That means not only regular rebounding, but also rebounding as a team and diving on the floor when required.

"Each single position and player needs to be ready to get the ball and get it to our offense."

Playing up-tempo is what Oga and her team thrive on and the playmaker isn't overly concerned at the usual fears over a lack of inside presence - or the fact that there could possibly be some new and inexperienced faces in the line-up.

"We know that everyone thinks our inside game is not strong enough, but our big players have had a great preparation and are ready for this tournament," she explained.

"We also have great team discipline too.

"All Japanese players (in the camp) have a chance to become a member of the roster and all members, including the younger players should understand this and use it as a motivation to help the overall national team spirit.

"Together, we can do it."

As well as looking to achieve success with Japan, Oga will play in China this season at club level.

She is making the switch from JX Sunflowers to Shanxi Xing Rui Flame, where she will help the WCBA reigning champions try to defend their title.

She will be coached by Spanish national team boss Lucas Mondelo and play alongside WNBA star Maya Moore.

FIBA