Two more wins until the medal “I wish I could fight like Japan and myself”
The Japan Women’s Basketball National Team defeated Nigeria 102-83 and advanced to the final tournament. As a result, it was a good victory, but in the early stages, he suffered from the height of Nigeria and the powerful attack inside. Therefore, it was the team’s weapon, the 3-point shoot offensive, that brought the flow of the game to Japan, and it was Saki Hayashi who pulled it.
Hayashi, who scored 23 points in the game high by scoring 7 out of 11 3-point shots, said, “I thought it was a good feeling when I warmed up and went up on the court 40 minutes before the start of the game. So I decided to take the plunge. I haven’t fixed it in particular, but it was very impressive for me to come to the level against the United States, and I wanted to decide in that, so that’s today. I think it was a good stimulus, “he recalls.
“I don’t remember (laughs)” how many points I scored in response to the interview immediately after the match. After finishing the league match and entering the national team training camp, I suffered because the shoot touch did not improve, but I overcame it here. “I felt so strong that I had to live up to Tom’s (Hobus Head Coach)’s expectations, and I was under unexpected pressure. I thought about how to bring it to the plus side every day, but I think about Tom. I ended up getting there that it was more important to hit with my own rhythm, so I can say now, but I think there is no choice but to hit with confidence. “
The team is now in the top eight. If you win two more, you will win a medal. “Everyone knows that they are strong no matter where they come, but they can’t win unless they thoroughly implement their strengths, speed, rebound, loose ball, etc. Think about the balance and use your head like Japan. If we go, I think we have a chance, “says Hayashi.
At the last Rio Games, Hayashi was still a college student. “I got the impression that the stage of the Olympic Games was shining, the energy was received from all the athletes, and the facial expressions of everyone who was out had a positive effect on everyone who was watching,” recalled the 2016 Games. I’m happy to be one of them, and I hope to give back to the children and parents who are watching now and to connect to the next generation. “
“As long as I’m on the court, it’s the same on the bench, but I hope I can fight like Japan,” says Hayashi with a smile.
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