JPN - Pavlicevic reveals Japan squad

TOKYO (FIBA World Championship) - Japan coach Zeljko Pavlicevic has unveiled his 12-man squad for the FIBA World Championship, with power and strength being keywords in the Croatian’s selection.

Pavlicevic admits size played a big part in determining his final roster, with the 55-year-old determined not to see his side brushed aside by the likes of Spain, Germany and New Zealand in Group B.

“I chose the players considering their physical strength,” Pavlicevic said.

“It's not all about height. Our core philosophy is in defense, and since we don't have tall guys, if we don't get rebounds, we won't be able to achieve what we want.”

Japan’s two tallest players are the Takeuchi twins, Joji and Kosuke, at 205cm each, while the heaviest is power forward Daiji Yamada at 105kg - some 15kg lighter than New Zealand captain Pero Cameron.

“We want to have firm defense and fast offense," the Japan coach continued.

“We are going to play against the world's top teams, so it won't be easy. I think it won't be a fun tournament but a war. But we've prepared. We want to play clever and tough.”

Although the majority of the squad are in their early-to-mid 20s, Pavlicevic has selected three veteran campaigners in Takahiro Setsumasa, Takehiko Orimo and team captain Satoru Furuta.

At 36, Orimo is the elder statesman of the squad but Pavlicevic insists the shooting guard, who played in the 1998 World Championship alongside Setsumasa, is a crucial part of his plans.

“Orimo is the best shooter in this country," the coach told The Japan Times.

“I mean, he is the best shooter (of) all time. His attitude in practice is simply great."

Takuya Sato, Takanori Onishi and Shogo Asayama missed the final cut but Pavlicevic revealed he would be keeping Sato and Asayama with the squad in case of any late withdrawals.

Squad: Shinsuke Kashiwagi, Kei Igarashi, Takahiro Setsumasa, Takuya Kawamura, Ryota Sakurai, Takehiko Orimo, Kosuke Takeuchi, Daiji Yamada, Shunsuke Ito, Satoru Furuta, Joji Takeuchi, Tomoo Amino.

By PA Sport