Here's a look at some key facts, figures and random insight about the 2006 Japan National Team. It plays Saturday against Germany in Hiroshima in the teams' Group B opener at the FIBA World Championship:
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| Takuya Kawamura YOSHIAKI MIURA PHOTOS |
BURNING QUESTIONS
1. Can Japan rebound consistently against bigger, stronger foes?
2. Will this team's youth (seven of the 12 players who suited up Sunday vs. Senegal are 25 or younger) be a helpful factor or its downfall?
3. If Japan gets no outside looks because of tight perimeter defense, can it open up its offense in the lane?
TEAM TIDBITS
Coach Zeljko Pavlicevic lists the United States, Spain, Germany and Argentina as his four favorites to appear in the semifinals.
Takuya Kawamura says Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Reggie Miller, Larry Bird and Scottie Pippen are his favorite NBA players of all time.
Takehiko Orimo
Shinsuke Kashiwagi, a 183-cm, 78-kg point guard, is the toughest player on the team. And really, you can't convince Kawamura otherwise.
Listen to Kawamura's explanation:
"Last year when I was called up by the national team, I was once screened by him and I crashed (into) him. Then my internal organs were shaken."
Kashiwagi's fearless approach to the game pays off.
"He is physically strong but he doesn't waste his power too much," Kawamura said. "Also, when he runs, he tries to get a foul even against (centers)."
One by one, each player grabbed the microphone and addressed the media about Japan's goals for the world tournament in a lengthy press conference Sunday in Urayasu, Chiba Pref. The most common responses centered around two themes: playing to the best of the team's ability, and that defense is the key to making the first goal a reality.
THE LAST WORD
"Defense is about skills but also it is about heart. We have to hang in there enduring physically stronger opponents and play a game at a fast pace. We have much more chance to play equally than aiming at scoring more points than opponents," veteran guard Takehiko Orimo said.
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