On July 31, the French men’s basketball team narrowly defeated the Japanese team 94-90 in overtime during the Olympic group stage.
The Japanese men’s basketball team delivered the best performance of any Asian team at last year’s World Cup, securing their place in the Paris Olympics. Yesterday, they lost by just four points to the previous Olympic silver medalist, France. The Japanese team has seen a significant improvement in both strength and results in recent years, which can be attributed not only to the players’ own efforts and the naturalization of high-level athletes but also to the robust basketball culture fostered by the B League and the focus on grassroots development. Let’s delve into the specific reasons behind their success.
The players’ own efforts and determination to excel.
Standing at only 172 cm, Rui Hachimura might seem like an underdog even on a street court, but he has performed phenomenally despite this disadvantage. In the overtime loss against the former Olympic runner-up France, Hachimura started and played for 33 minutes, shooting 9-for-26 overall, 6-for-15 from three-point range, and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, scoring a team-high 29 points along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Following the game, FIBA posted: in the 21st century’s Olympic men’s basketball games, Hachimura is the third player to record a 25+5+5 stat line in a single game. The other two players are Luol Deng in 2012 and Kevin Durant in 2016.
When height is lacking, make up for it with skill. Hachimura possesses exceptional ball-handling skills, lightning-fast speed, and outstanding shooting ability. Most importantly, he has an extraordinary basketball IQ. He can decide whether to score himself or assist his teammates in the blink of an eye and has various moves and dribbling techniques that can outmaneuver players who are physically superior. Without dedicated training and solid fundamentals, such feats would not be possible.
His success is not just due to hard work; according to reports, Hachimura is expected to forego a top salary of approximately 4.72 million RMB in the B League to likely play in the G League next season, where the annual salary is only around $40,000. This demonstrates Hachimura’s determination to reach the pinnacle of basketball.
Hachimura embodies the passion and dedication many Japanese basketball players have for the sport. They have faced countless challenges but have never given up on their dream and determination to become stronger.
Naturalization of High-Level Players
Joshua Hykinson was born in Washington, USA, and became a naturalized player for the Japanese national team in February 2023. Last year, at the Basketball World Cup, Hykinson put on a standout performance. He scored 28 points and grabbed 19 rebounds against Finland and contributed 33 points and 7 rebounds against Australia, helping the Japanese team become the only Asian team to directly qualify for the Paris Olympics. In yesterday’s loss to France, Hykinson started and played for 37 minutes, contributing 16 points and 8 rebounds against the formidable frontcourt of Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert.
In addition to Hykinson, the Japanese team has also naturalized former NBA player Josh Harrellson, and according to statistics, there were 13 dual-nationality players with Japanese citizenship in the 2023-2024 B League season.
Without a doubt, the addition of naturalized players has taken the Japanese team to another level.
The Birth and Reform of the B League
Initially established by Toshiaki Kaya, the goal of this league was to cultivate world-class athletes and teams, aiming to create a dream arena that emphasizes entertainment and profitability.
The Japanese B League, which aims to become a world-class basketball league, officially announced its reform plan for the 2026-27 season, including further easing of foreign player rules and the formal introduction of a salary cap and draft system.
1. Starting from the 2026-27 season, each B League team will be able to register 14 players, including 3 foreign players and one naturalized or Asian foreign player. Teams can register 12 players per game, with no restrictions on playing time, meaning theoretically, four foreign players could play simultaneously. This is expected to significantly increase the competitiveness of the B League.
2. For the 2026-27 season, the B League will introduce a salary cap system. The top-tier B League’s salary cap will be approximately 38 million RMB, with a minimum of approximately 24 million RMB, and it will include a “superstar clause.” While limiting the financial impact on the top-tier B League, it can prevent talent drain.
3. Additionally, the top-tier B League will introduce a draft system starting in the 2026-27 season. The first B League draft will take place in January 2026, open to Japanese high school graduates and above, as well as overseas high school graduates and above. Unlike the CBA draft, players’ salaries will correspond to their resumes and contracts. Players with NCAA experience will receive higher rookie salaries, and those with NBA experience or who have averaged at least 15 minutes per game for the Japanese national team in the World Cup or Olympics can be drafted directly with an annual salary of approximately 5 million RMB. If more young, talented players are attracted, the B League’s strength will improve even further.
The maturation and professionalism of the B League will greatly ensure the competitiveness of Japanese national team players and the development of future talent.
The progress of the Japanese men’s basketball team is evident. In an interview, head coach Tom Hovas stated that he hopes the team will reach the top eight in the Paris Olympics, shocking the world.
Currently, this statement may not be far-fetched. Their final opponent in the group stage is Brazil, and they still have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals of the Olympics.