Tokashiki looks to take WNBA by Storm
TOKYO (FIBA Women's World Championship/2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship) - Ramu Tokashiki put on some dazzling performances for Japan when they captured the title at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship for
TOKYO (FIBA Women's World Championship/2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship) - Ramu Tokashiki put on some dazzling performances for Japan when they captured the title at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship for Women.
The Japanese power forward/center averaged 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds and was probably the biggest reason why her team was able to go unbeaten.
Now the country's brightest star is going to try and make it on a big stage in the United States with the Seattle Storm.
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a training camp contract with Seattle.
"I'm thrilled to play along with point guard Sue Bird, who's one of the best in the States," Tokashiki said.
In terms of the height, there are so many players who are as tall as I am, so I’d like to emphasize my speed - Tokashiki
Tokashiki, who also played at the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship in Turkey, is 1.92m tall.
She is agile and leaps well.
The Japanese also has a feathery shooting touch in and around the lane.
Seattle are looking forward to having the player from the Far East in camp, a Jx-Eneos Sunflowers star who won the WJBL title on Sunday.
〜ファイナル〜 vs富士通 ☆77-51 vs富士通 ☆73-57 vs富士通 ☆60-56 たくさんの差し入れ、たくさんの応援ありがとうございました。 てっぺんは何度立っても やっぱり最高です。 pic.twitter.com/xEI1D1Eudi
— Ramu Tokashiki (@TOKASHIKI_10) April 6, 2015
Tokashiki was the Most Valuable Player of the season and the play-offs.
Seattle last captured a WNBA championship in 2010, when Australia's Lauren Jackson led them to glory.
The team also won the title in 2004.
A couple of Australian Opals - Abby Bishop and Jenna O'Hea - are on the Seattle roster.
Bishop was just named the MVP in Australia's Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) after a terrific campaign with Canberra.
We have signed @TOKASHIKI_10 (Ramu Tokashiki) to a training camp roster. Read more | http://t.co/PxzoMfqBTA pic.twitter.com/pUImrohI8b
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 6, 2015
"We are excited about the opportunity to work with Ramu," said Storm head coach Jenny Boucek.
"She is showing great potential in Japan and is eager to test her abilities against the best in the world."
Numerous other internationals from outside the United States are trying to make the leap to the WNBA this year.
Among them are Australia's Marianna Tolo and Cayla Francis, who are going to play for the Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury, respectively.
Another prominent international heading to the league this year is Spain's EuroBasket Women champion Marta Xargay, who has signed with Phoenix.
FIBA