Yuhito Kawashima, who won the top scorer and MVP with an average of 26.6 points
Yuhito Kawashima (middle) and Nao Ishiguchi (right) selected for All-Star Five
The men’s U16 Japan national team who advanced to the final for the first time in the “FIBA U16 Asian Championship”. Play against Australia, which has won all previous games by a large margin of 20 points or more. Both were three consecutive games, and the final match, which was a total war, was greatly separated in the second half, and Japan lost 63-94. However, due to Korona-ka, he boarded the venue Qatar without being able to make an overseas expedition or practice match, and grew up with each match, leaving a wonderful result of a record high runner-up.
Only two people from Japan were selected for the tournament All-Star Five, and Nao Ishiguchi (3rd year at Suwa High School attached to Tokai University) and Yusho Kawashima (2nd year at Ohori High School attached to Fukuoka University) were awarded. In addition, Kawashima, who became the top scorer with an average of 26.6 points, was also selected as an MVP.
The men’s U16 Japan national team who fought five games and had the first black star at the end. Australia is a strong player who has won the silver medal of the FIBA U17 World Cup for two consecutive tournaments in 2012 and 2014. Japan also concentrated on rebounding and stealing loose balls against Australia, which has a high transition speed as well as height, and in the 4th minute of the second half, it was close to 42-44, a two-point difference. However, after that, Australia decided to have a haste and a 3-point shot, and was eliminated by 31 points.
The experiences and challenges gained in the five games of this tournament, as well as the successful experiences, all contribute to the growth of players and teams. The men’s U16 representative from Japan, whose face has clearly changed from before leaving Japan. For the “FIBA U17 World Cup 2022” to be held in Malaga, Spain from Saturday, July 2nd, we will continue to improve our level as the men’s U17 Japan National Team and challenge the world.
