The Japan National Men's Basketball Team prepares to face Mongolia on February 23, 2025, as part of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers. The match, taking place at the UG Arena in Ulaanbaatar, marks Japan's continued effort to bolster its standing within Asian basketball. Japan has already secured its place at the Asia Cup 2025, having established itself as one of the leading teams in the qualifiers.
Head coach Tom Hovasse revealed the 12-man roster for the upcoming match, which reflects both the team's seasoned skills and the integration of fresh talent. Notably, the roster includes Harper John Lawrence Jr., who participated as part of the developmental camp prior to these qualifiers.
Despite the anticipation of this match, the team faces challenges: Captain Yuki Yoshii suffered injury during the previous game against China and will be returning to Japan instead of competing in Mongolia. Consequently, Teosu Kawai, known for his prowess as a point guard with the Alvark Tokyo, will take on the captain's responsibilities.
Japan has previously played Mongolia, winning their last encounter 93-75 back on November 26, 2024, and will leverage the experience and strategy developed during prior windows of the qualifications. This matchup is seen as another opportunity for players such as the young 18-year-old Reon Watanabe, who has joined the roster alongside adults, to showcase their talents under the pressures of international play.
This upcoming match is particularly significant as Japan has performed strongly throughout its previous qualifiers, remaining unbeaten through the first and second windows. With its ranking currently sitting at 21st on the FIBA global scale, compared to Mongolia's 109th, the Japanese team is favored to win.
The final lineup reflects not just players from established teams but also includes fresh faces who are anticipated to bring vigor to the squad, including forwards Rei Watanabe and Alex Kirk. Vincent Harker, promising point guard and recent addition to the roster, brings his skills learned from competing at both the B League and at the collegiate level to the forefront of this pivotal qualifier match.
The Japanese squad includes the following players:
- Teosu Kawai (PG, 188 cm, 26 years old, Alvark Tokyo)
- Ikkyu Tsuya (SG, 191 cm, 26 years old, San'en NeoPhoenix)
- Ren Kanekizu (SF, 196 cm, 21 years old, Chiba Jets)
- Harper John Lawrence Jr. (PG, 181 cm, 22 years old, Tokai University, Sunrockers Shibuya)
- Kazuki Hosokawa (SG, 187 cm, 27 years old, Gunma Crane Thunders)
- Takase Sasaki (PG, 180 cm, 28 years old, San'en NeoPhoenix)
- Ryo Sadohara (SF, 192 cm, 25 years old, Fighting Eagles Nagoya)
- Reon Watanabe (PF, 206 cm, 18 years old, Fukuoka University of Education, Altiir Chiba)
- Alex Kirk (C, 211 cm, 33 years old, Ryukyu Golden Kings)
- Soichiro Iinoue (PF, 201 cm, 25 years old, Koshigaya Alphas)
- Raita Akaho (SF, 196 cm, 26 years old, Akita Northern Happinets)
- Koya Kawamada (C, 204 cm, 26 years old, Nagasaki Velca)
Broadcasting details for the match are readily available, with extensive coverage on the TV-Asahi network, and live streaming on platforms such as DAZN and ABEMA. The match is set to commence at 2:00 PM Japan time.
The inclusion of developing players alongside veterans sends both experience and talent onto the court, emphasizing the Japan National Team's commitment to creating depth within their roster, preparing for not only this match but future competitions as well.