SEREMBAN (Malaysia) - Miya Takeuchi gave Japan another reason to celebrate after being named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025, Sunday night at the Karisma Arena.
The heady 1.61 M (5'3") point guard earned the coveted award after leading the tournament in points and assists as she finished with averages of 19.4 points and 6.6 assists, along with 3.8 rebounds in five games.
That included a 25-point, 7-rebound, 4-assist showing to lead her side to a 71-58 victory over China in an all-East Asia Third-Place Game to salvage a bronze medal after they fell short of returning to the Final.
By taking the plum, Takeuchi bannered the Tournament All-Star Five, in which she's joined by Madison Ryan and Isabel Smith of champions Australia, China's Li Yuanshan, and Emilia Ainley of New Zealand.
Ryan and Smith played key roles in helping the Sapphires achieve an unprecedented 'four-peat,' in the process becoming the competition's most successful team as they now own the record for most number of titles.
The feat broke a tie with China although the three-time champions still had a good run in this year's meet by returning to the Semi-Finals after missing as much in 2023, with Li leading the way.
Ainley, ultimately, was important in New Zealand's breakthrough Final appearance.
*This article will be updated.