Japan came into World Cup qualification already locking up a spot, considering they’ll be co-hosts of the games. Yuta Watanabe and Rui Hachimura will be the main scoring options for the Japanese, arriving to Okinawa fresh off new contracts. 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.

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Coach: Tom Hovasse

What to Watch

Hachimura and Watanabe will rightfully be the guys 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)

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