SYDNEY (Australia) - It's a case of so far, so good for Japan's rising star guard Mai Yamamoto who could end up being labelled as the biggest breakout performer at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023

Still only 23-years-old, the signs are looking good and her electrifying play is placing her on an upward trajectory that might see her both receive wider recognition and catapult her up the list of Japan's endless list of backcourt talents.

It's been a crowed field for quite some time, but patience is a virtue.

Yes, slowly but surely, Yamamoto is beginning to show that she could be ready to cement a long-term spot as one of Japan's primary ballers. After all, she's the only player in the tournament who opened up in Sydney with back-to-back Top Performer honors after catching the eye against Chinese Taipei and the Philippines.

Yamamoto played #FIBAU17 for her country in Zaragoza, Spain at the 2016 edition

Yamamoto has served her time coming through the system, waiting for her opportunities to increase and now it's time to shine. She initially landed on the radar of most women's basketball watchers when she represented her country at FIBA youth events such as the U17 Basketball World Cup in Zaragoza, Spain back in 2016. 

Then five years later, she had the year of her basketball life.

Firstly representing Japan in 3x3 at the Tokyo Olympics, then months later being handed what some considered to be a surprise spot on the roster for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Jordan as Japan made it five trophies in a row.

Since then, she has also clocked up a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup appearance and that means she has seen both sides - the good and bad of experiencing success with the Akatsuki Five - and huge underachievement, too.

"My main memory from Jordan was that it was such a young team, but it was a great moment," agreed Yamamoto.

"The Women's Basketball World Cup was a really disappointing time, but we  tried and that was a plus, while we also learned from it and it means we have been able to make some adjustments for here at this FIBA Women's Asia Cup."

The question is whether Yamamoto can keep the momentum of her hot start on her second visit to Sydney going. Or perhaps, most importantly, does she truly have what it takes to keep the flame burning brightly and to increase her presence on this Japanese team - both now and also in the longer term?

"I think leadership can be one of my strengths," declared the guard. 

"I hope I can do even more for the Japanese team in the future and to help to control games and everything," she insisted.

To cope with the responsibility is part of the journey any young player makes. Of course, with an elite-level team like Japan, you're placed under the spotlight even more intensely. Although this is not something that fazes Yamamoto having had to cope with the intensity of Tokyo 2020.

She explained: "We had to work to deal with the pressure of being Olympic hosts, but it was also a great moment.

"I think that 3x3 is more like a kind of back-to-basics basketball and that is the great thing about it," she added.

And, it is perhaps that last point which is the one that is keeping everyone on the edge of their seats in Sydney. Speed, passing, or shooting, she does it all so well and with leadership qualities seeping through more and more, Japan have got themselves a real baller.

Perhaps one that can play a pivotal role in making it six in a row, but for sure making an early case for that best breakout performer tag.

FIBA