Rui Hachimura, Watanabe Yuta spearhead Japan's provisional squad for FIBA World Cup 2023

Rui Hachimura and Watanabe Yuta were named to Japan’s provisional squad for the FIBA World Cup 2023 on Monday (19 June), a group of 25 that will fine-tune for the tournament with a pair of tough friendlies against France and Slovenia.

“I’m really excited,” said Japan coach Tom Hovasse, who led the country’s women to an outstanding silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“We are getting this group together for the first time and looking forward to seeing how far we can go.

“Everyone is hungry. I can’t wait.”

Rising sharpshooter Tominaga Keisei - nicknamed the “Japanese Steph Curry” by U.S. college hoops fans - has also been selected to the side who will host France at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on 17 August and Slovenia two days later.

France, based in Indonesia for the 25 August-10 September competition, are expected to feature projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick Victor Wembanyama and eyeing to use the World Cup as a springboard to an Olympic gold at Paris 2024 next summer.

Luka Doncic will lead the way for Slovenia, who will be in Japan in Okinawa for the first round. They are in Group F with Venezuela, Georgia and Cape Verde.

Japan had a challenging draw to say the least, slotted into Group E with Germany, Finland and Australia.

Hovasse said the France and Slovenia tests should grease Japan well for the first game versus Germany on 25 August, adding that his final cut for the 12 could be very last-minute.

Japan must be the highest-finishing team from Asia to qualify for Paris 2024 via the World Cup.

Hovasse also said it remains to be seen when Hachimura and Watanabe will assemble with the squad due to both entering free agency this summer. The earliest they can join is 28 July due to the agreement between FIBA and the NBA players association.

“I pretty much should have my 12 picked out by then,” he said. “Those games, our opponents will be big, long and the last steps we take to our first World Cup game against Germany.

“They’re similar in style. They won’t be like the teams we faced at the Asian Cup so it’s a good opportunity to get used to a Germany-like team.”

Before playing France, Japan will face Angola in another warm-up on 15 August. They are also set to take on at home New Zealand on 2 and 4 August, as well as Chinese Taipei on 8 -9 July.

• Meet the teams who qualified for the FIBA World Cup 2023
• How to qualify in basketball for Paris 2024

Japan provisional squad for FIBA World Cup 2023

Guards: Hiejima Makoto (Utsunomiya Brex), Suda Yutaro (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Ando Seiya (Shimane Susanoo Magic), Togashi Yuki (Chiba Jets), Baba Yudai (FA), Toews Kai (Shiga Lakes), Nishida Yudai (Sea Horses Mikawa), Tominaga Keisei (University of Nebraska), Kawamura Yuki (Yokohama B-Corsairs), Jacobs Akira (NBA Global Academy)

Forwards: Chambers Aki (Gunma Crane Thunders), Nagayoshi Yuya (Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka), Harimoto Tenketsu (Nagoya), Hara Shuta (Chiba), Watanabe Yuta (Brooklyn Nets), Josh Hawkinson (Shinshu Brave Warriors), Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers), Yoshii Hirotaka (Alvark Tokyo), Inoue Soichiro (Sunrockers Shibuya), Kanechika Ren (Chiba)

Centres: Nick Fazekas (Kawasaki Brave Thunders), Luke Evans (Fighting Eagles Nagoya), Matthew Aquino (Shinshu), Kawamata Koya (Shiga), Watanabe Hugh (Ryukyu Golden Kings)