Japan vs. USA

Yesterday it was the day all Japanese basketball fans had been waiting for. The Japanese National team competed against the Team USA in the World Cup. Friends of mine and I gathered in my home to watch this game. We prepared snacks and drinks to wait for the tip off at 21:30 in Tokyo. Having lost against Turkey and Czech Republic, there is no hope to proceed to the knock out stage. However, the Team Japan is said to be the strongest ever. With Rui Hachimura, the first ever rottery pick in 2019 NBA draft as Japanese, the team has talents that it has never had. As a basketball fan, I expected the Japan could play well even against the Team USA. However, the result was different. The final score was 98-45. It was a devastating loss. TheTeam USA is not said to be the best team. Many American NBA superstar had decided not to play in the World Cup because of private issues and injuries. This the Team USA is called “third team” or “the weakest ever”, but I strongly felt that the USA is the USA. I was shocked by seeing the difference in all aspects (physical, speed, shooting etc.) of basketball between Japan and the USA. Japanese basketball has been developing rapidly in the last a few year. The professional basketball league in Japan (B.League) established in 2016, and Rui and Yuta Watanabe went to NBA after making impacts in the NCAA Division 1. However, it’s now doubtful whether the gap between Japan and the USA getting closer. At least, some individuals were able to play well (happy to see that Yudai Baba scores 18 points and made a good appeal for playing overseas). I earnestly hope that the Team Japan will be better as a team, and more Japanese players will compete in leagues overseas. Anyway, thanks to the Japanese basketball team, I had a great time with friends.

I reconfirmed that Kemba Walker and Donovan Mitchell is two of my favorites. I am looking forward to watching them in the coming knockout stage.

Please enjoy watching the the World Cup!!

Thank you for reading all, see you soon. 

Miki