6-for-5 from Three! Yuki Kawamura’s Best Teammate! Another NBA-Caliber Player from Japan

Rui Hachimura has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics due to a calf injury. Despite only playing two games, he averaged 22 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 0.5 blocks, with shooting percentages of 40% from the field, 35.7% from three, and 78.6% from the free-throw line. Many, including those who follow the Japanese men's basketball team closely, have felt that Hachimura’s style often seemed out of sync with the team. His frustration was palpable during the game against France, leading to his ejection. As a mixed-race player, Hachimura faces unique pressures and responsibilities. This raises the question: will Hachimura continue to don the Japanese national team jersey?

Regardless of who is absent, the games must go on. Without Hachimura, the Japanese men's basketball team faced Brazil in a decisive match, one that would determine their Olympic fate. A loss meant heading home. This game also provided a glimpse of the lineup that might face China in the upcoming Asian qualifiers next year.

A Tale of Two Halves

Brazil came out with unprecedented energy, defeating Japan in their own game. In the first half, Brazil made an astounding 11 of 13 three-point attempts, a staggering 85% success rate. Despite facing a red-hot opponent, the Japanese team showed resilience, keeping the game within reach and trailing by only 11 points at halftime.

The second half saw a reversal of fortunes. Brazil's three-point shooting cooled off while Japan's outside game caught fire. The Japanese team relied heavily on the dynamic duo of Yuki Kawamura and Josh Hawkinson. In the third quarter alone, Hawkinson went 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, using his skills as a center to dismantle Brazil's defense. However, Brazil soon adapted their defense, effectively disrupting the connection between Kawamura and Hawkinson, stifling Japan's offense.

In these moments of stagnation, the absence of Hachimura was felt acutely. His ability to create his own shot and score in isolation situations would have been invaluable. The Chinese men's basketball team would do well to study the final quarter of this game as a textbook example of how to handle the Japanese team.

A Tough Loss and a Hard Lesson

Brazil ultimately secured a 102-84 victory, sending Japan home. Despite the loss, three Japanese players scored in double figures. Yuki Kawamura had an impressive performance with 21 points and 10 assists, committing only two turnovers. He nearly single-handedly brought his team back into the game. Hawkinson, with 26 points and 10 rebounds, showcased his versatility and shooting touch, making 5 of 6 three-pointers, a near-perfect performance for a modern center. Commentators repeatedly noted his NBA potential. Yuta Watanabe, despite struggling with his shot (6-for-17), contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, though his inability to create his own offense was evident, which is surprising for an NBA player.

Japan, ranked at the bottom of the power rankings for the Paris Olympics, still earned respect from every opponent. They played with determination and skill, proving that Asian basketball teams are not to be underestimated. Kawamura, in particular, shattered the myth that only height matters in basketball. Standing just over 170 cm, he demonstrated that skill and tenacity could bring ordinary people to the world’s highest stages and achieve world-class performances.

The Future of Japanese Basketball

Next time we see Kawamura, he might be wearing a Memphis Grizzlies jersey in the G-League, one step away from the NBA. When was the last time a player under 175 cm appeared in the NBA? It was last season with Isaiah Thomas, the "Mighty Mouse" who played for the Suns. Although not a fan of the Japanese men's basketball team, one can’t help but admire Kawamura. He embodies the dream that professional basketball can be within reach for ordinary people, showing that aspirations are not unattainable.

Japan’s performance in the Olympics, despite the setbacks, highlights the potential and growing talent pool in their basketball program. The emergence of players like Kawamura and Hawkinson signifies a bright future. They have demonstrated that with the right mix of skill, determination, and teamwork, they can compete on the world stage.

Japan vs. Brazil: A Detailed Breakdown

In the decisive match against Brazil, Japan faced a team that attacked them with their own strategies. Brazil's exceptional three-point shooting in the first half put Japan on the back foot. Japan's defensive lapses allowed Brazil to shoot with such efficiency. However, Japan's resilience kept them in the game, showcasing their mental toughness and strategic adjustments.

In the third quarter, Japan's offense, led by Kawamura and Hawkinson, finally clicked. Hawkinson’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting forced Brazil to adjust their defense. Kawamura's playmaking and speed created opportunities, but Brazil's defensive adjustments in the final quarter proved decisive.

Individual Performances and Team Dynamics

Kawamura's performance highlighted his potential as a floor general. His vision and passing created numerous scoring opportunities, and his ability to score under pressure was crucial. Hawkinson’s shooting and versatility were standout aspects of his game, making him a valuable asset in the modern game. Watanabe, despite his shooting struggles, contributed in other areas, showcasing his defensive capabilities and rebounding.

The game also exposed areas for improvement. Japan's reliance on a few key players made them vulnerable when those connections were disrupted. Developing more balanced scoring options and defensive strategies will be critical for future success.

Conclusion

The game against Brazil was a learning experience for the Japanese men's basketball team. It highlighted their strengths, such as resilience and teamwork, while also exposing areas that need improvement. Kawamura and Hawkinson's performances were particularly encouraging, indicating a promising future for Japanese basketball on the international stage.

As Japan looks towards future competitions, including the Asian qualifiers and beyond, they will build on these experiences. The emergence of NBA-caliber talent like Kawamura and Hawkinson will be pivotal. Their journey continues, and with each game, they bring Japan closer to being a formidable force in international basketball.