Japan was strong even without an NBA leaguer. At the center of it all was the fearsome duo born in 2001 and 2003.
Japan won the 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup Asian qualifier against Iran in Group F, held at Takasaki Arena on the 23rd (Korean time), by 35 points, 96-61.
Japan seemed to have fully adapted to Tom Horvath’s system. Even if there was no Hamed Hadadi, it was Iran with full power except him.먹튀검증 Against them, Japan’s pacing and shooting games were not at the Asian level. What is even more surprising is that the protagonists at the forefront of the ‘breakdown of Iran’ were neither Yuki Togashi nor Makoto Hiejima, but Yuki Kawamura and Ren Kanechika, born in 2001 or 2003.
Kawamura played in 16 minutes and 17 seconds, recording 15 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. The Yatoo success rate was 100% (6/6). Kanechica played an active role with 20 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block shot, including 6 3-point shots, in 25 minutes and 6 seconds.
Japan continued a chase and chase fight in the early stages of the game against Iran. The one-possession game could have been prolonged, but it was Kawamura who changed the tide at once. A short 172 cm guard, he replaced Togashi from the middle of the first quarter and made good use of the long shooting distance and scored 3 consecutive points. With a cool breakthrough, he focused on 8 points and led the lead by 6 points, 22-16.
Kawamura’s 8 points in a row in the first quarter was so meaningful that even FIBA recognized it as a turning point. In addition, it was Kawamura who showed a flawless appearance by showing close to perfection even the defense that was considered a weakness. Thanks to this, Japan did not miss the initiative until the buzzer sounded for the end of the game, and instead pushed hard and won the match.
If Kawamura brought the flow of the game, it was Kanechika who carried on for a long time. As the only college player and tall shooter at 198 cm, he boasted a fast shooting motion as if watching Jeon Seong-hyun. As he has good physical condition compared to the position, he used it actively and broke Iran’s outer defense with a long shooting distance.
FIBA evaluated Kanechka’s performance as a ‘hero’. As much as that, his 3-point shower was a terror to Iran and was the point that led to Japan’s victory.
Even though there were no overseas players such as Hachimura Rui, Watanabe Yuta, and Baba Yudai, B. Leaguer-centered Japan was clearly strong. It’s amazing how young players like Kawamura and Kanechika show that they’ve gotten stronger. Even though they were in their early 20s, they had the skills and charisma to lead the national team.
What’s even more frightening is that Japan, where Hachimura, Watanabe, and even Baba join in, can play basketball at a higher level than now. Japanese basketball, which has been investing for a long time and strengthening its stability, is showing results little by little.