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This summer, Rui Hachimura and Team Japan will look to make waves in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite going winless in the international friendly games, Hachimura impressed for Japan, most recently leading the way with a game-high 29 points in the team's loss to Serbia in the final exhibition game.
Ahead of their first game of the group phase on Saturday, all systems are a go for Hachimura. After logging 19 points, five rebounds and two assists against Germany last week, Hachimura will look to help his team avenge the loss.
Hachimura missed out on the 2023 FIBA World Cup. As he and Japan prepare to compete in Group B of the Olympics, Hachimura feels invigorated by the chance to compete for his country.
In an interview with the Japan Basketball Association, he shared his excitement leading up to the Olympics.
“I’m happy to be back at the National Training Center again," Hachimura said. "I think Head Coach Hovasse’s basketball style suits me very well. I’m looking forward to it because it’s a style that allows me to play fast breaks and shows off my all-round play.”
Looking at Team Japan's recent international friendly schedule leading up to the Olympics
Rui Hachimura's Japan started their international campaign with a narrow one-point loss to Australia in their first international friendly before the two teams drew the following day in a highly-anticipated rematch.
The team then dropped a one-point loss to South Korea in their third game, ultimately losing a rematch days later. They also lost the final two international friendlies against Germany and Serbia.
They finished 0-4-1 in international friendly games.
Looking at Rui Hachimura and Japan's Olympic schedule and team roster
The Japanese men’s basketball national team's opening game of the 2024 Paris Olympics is on Saturday (Jul. 27). Japan will compete in Group B alongside Germany, France and Brazil, with Germany and France sitting as the favorites to win the group.
After the first game against Germany, they face France on Tuesday (Jul. 30). The team will then play their final game against Brazil on Aug. 2 before the start of the playoffs on Aug. 6. From there, teams who advance will play the semifinal games on Aug. 8, with the finals set for Aug. 10.
