JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – For the third time in his storied national team career, Yuki Togashi is suiting up for the FIBA Asia Cup. But this time, the 32-year-old playmaker finds himself in a different place. He is not just here as a guard, but as a guide.
“I’m the oldest player in this team,” Togashi said. “I’ve played two Olympics and one World Cup, so with that experience, I have to give the leadership to the team, especially when we are not playing well.”
Leadership, more than points or assists, is the trait Japan will count on when they face Syria on Day 2 of the group phase. While much of the spotlight has turned to rising names like Keisei Tominaga and Kai Toews, it’s Togashi who remains the calm in the chaos. He is a steady presence on a team full of fresh faces.
“My role has changed, too,” he added. “In the last few warm-up games, I was coming off the bench. But it doesn’t matter how good or bad we’re playing, I just come in and do my job.”
That job includes helping Japan stay on track in a tricky Group B. Syria may be ranked lower and come in with a 3-3 record in the qualifiers, but their physicality and interior defense could test Japan’s pace-and-space rhythm. In moments where Japan’s youth might get rattled, it’s Togashi’s voice and poise that could make the difference.
Yuki Togashi, Joshua Hawkinson, Yudai Baba (JPN)
“In the last two Asia Cups, we fell a little short,” he said. “So now we want to challenge to be the best Asian team this year.”
With a polished system, speed to burn and a seasoned floor general in Togashi, Japan look ready. And their veteran spark plug? He’s not chasing stats—he’s chasing stability.
“We got a lot of young players… but I think we are all ready for it.”
FIBA
AloJapan.com