When the Japan Basketball Association announced its 12-player women's national team squad for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup in Bangalore, India, a couple of weeks ago, it came as a bit of a surprise, because it did not list the name of star player Ramu Tokashiki, who is arguably the nation's No. 1 player.
Tokashiki, 26, is currently playing in her third season for the WNBA's Seattle Storm, and has not participated in national team activities since April.
But Japan head coach Tom Hovasse warned that bringing in a player just before a tournament could disrupt what has already been established.