Olympic podium pain of Yamamoto, ready to land Asia title like hero Oga

TOKYO (Japan) - WIth the growth of 3x3 in recent years, the amount of players crossing over both formats of basketball has increased and the most common question remains what is their favorite?

It's no different for Japanese ace Mai Yamamoto, who was involved for her country in 3x3 action at Tokyo 2020 and now finds herself back in the full version of the sport and aiming to propel her team to another FIBA Women's Asia Cup title.

Trying to choose her favorite competition is complicated, not least, because it has been bitter-sweet.

"BOTH 3x3 AND 5X5 HAVE EACH GIVEN ME A PLACE TO EXPRESS MYSELF... I'M ENJOYING THAT AND HAVING FUN..." - Yamamoto

Yamamoto experienced the thrill and excitement of being involved in the first ever Olympic 3x3 tournament and did so in her own country, which is clearly something she will never forget.

But it didn't go quite to script, with her 3x3 participation also ruling out her ability to potentially have been involved in the main team's historic run to the title game and subsequent first ever silver medal. Nevertheless, she remains happy that many of her teammates in Amman were part of the Olympic Final.

"In the Olympics, there are many things that I could do and couldn’t do in the 3x3 tournament, but I felt that those things that didn’t go well have stayed in my mind more than those things that went well," she explained.

"However, after my Olympic experience, I’m now able to play with a lot more confidence on the court.

"I was also so happy to see that we changed the history of Japan basketball by earning the silver medal in 5x5. I just regret that I tried to get a medal and could not in 3x3."

Despite that setback of falling short in her attempt to stand on the podium, Yamamoto clearly has a real passion and love for 3x3.

She said: "The fast-paced basketball is one of the most fascinating things about 3x3. It would be beneficial for young players to earn offensive skill sets and 1-on-1 skills by playing  it.

"I think those skills will lead them to be better 5x5 players," insisted the 21-year-old.

But, moving to the critical question - what is her favorite?

"I’m just loving both," she smiled.

"Both 3x3 and 5x5 have each given me a place to express myself on the court, so I’m just enjoying that and having fun whenever I play."

Yamamoto is still very young in the context of the international game and whatever floor she finds herself on and whatever the type of ball in her hands, she is able to call upon a role model and inspiration.

Someone who was at the center of bringing the much loved Japanese basketball style to new fans around the world.

"I think the high percentage of three-point shots is the most respected and beloved aspect about Japan basketball and  when I was younger, I was always watching a lot of plays by Yuko Oga," she confessed 

"Her leadership was so impressive and I’m still admiring her now," 

And, if Yamamoto does manage to land gold in Jordan, she will, like her hero Oga, proudly have a FIBA Women's Asia title on her resume.

FIBA