Japan's men's national basketball team will have its back against the wall during the Asian qualifiers for next year's FIBA World Cup.

The Japanese, however, are hopeful that the addition of a couple of stars will help turn the tables in their favor in the upcoming games.

Gonzaga University phenom Rui Hachimura and recently naturalized big man Nick Fazekas made the 24-man provisional squad for Japan's remaining first-round games on June 29 and July 2.