The provisional Japan women's national basketball team made a two-week trip to the United States from April 30 to play some practice games against WNBA squads, and the players and coaches believe it was an important experience.
During the team's stay in the U.S., the "Akatsuki Five" traveled to Dallas, San Antonio and Seattle and played against WNBA clubs in each city.
Japan head coach Tom Hovasse said after a team practice on Monday that his squad played a 30-minute practice game against the Dallas Wings, competed against the San Antonio Stars in a more formal exhibition game, with WNBA referees, then wrapped up the expedition with scrimmages against the Seattle Storm.