Japan came into World Cup qualification already locking up a spot, considering they’ll be co-hosts of the games. Yuta Watanabe will be the main scoring option for the Japanese, arriving to Okinawa fresh off a new contract. G League guard Yudai Baba will also be counted on heavily as a scoring option with the team looking to avenge their 31st place finish back in 2019.
Active NBA Players
- Yuta Watanabe (Phoenix Suns)
Coach: Tom Hovasse
What to Watch
Watanabe will rightfully be the guy for Japan, but expect University of Nebraska rising senior Keisei Tominaga to also turn heads. ‘Logo K’ had impressive performances during the qualifying window last summer and has become somewhat of an internet sensation in the basketball world with his unlimited range and flashy style of play.
Group Play Schedule
- Aug. 25: Japan vs. Germany (8:10 a.m. ET)
- Aug. 27: Japan vs. Finland (8:10 a.m. ET)
- Aug. 29: Japan vs. Australia (7:10 a.m. ET)
