Japan women’s basketball team head coach Tom Hovasse had set a lofty goal of winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics by using a small-ball game plan.
But facing the potential of a tournament without their tallest player in Ramu Tokashiki, the Akatsuki Five might have to play even smaller at the Summer Games.
When it comes to global tournaments like the Olympics, Japan always has to live with its size disadvantage. Hovasse has emphasized stretching the floor offensively, capitalizing on his team’s speed and 3-point shooting to play on par with competing nations.