On February 16th, the Japan Basketball Association released a short part of the Men's National Team's practice for the FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers. From the interview after practice, we would like to introduce Yuki Togashi, who served as captain at the FIBA World Cup.
Q What is the training camp like?
It was my first training camp since the World Cup ended, and it wasn't even in November, so I felt like there was a lot of free time. I remember coach Tom Hovasse's basketball, and the fact that we played against China was something stuck in my memory, even though there were probably only three or four members currently in this training camp the last time we played. I want to take revenge this time.
Q What do you think about how the coach will use the players in these two games?
To be honest, we probably don't have enough time, and I think there's a friendly game before Paris, but this is the only window for the Asian Cup qualifiers. Rather than a coach looking at various other players, I think it's more like starting Tom's basketball towards Paris. We've been practicing really well as a team, and I'm looking forward to it.
Q You mentioned that you've been remembering things Tom does, but since you've been doing it for quite some time, do you think most of them are already in your head? Or is it because it's been a while since you've done it, so it takes a while to remember?
Of course, the more you play, the more you will remember, but after all, in this long season, where you have already played 40 games with your team, each player, including other players, is playing under different team rules. Also, the pace is fast, and there are many different ideas, so I want to switch things up properly.
Q It will be your first competition in the year of the Paris Olympics, but is there anything that makes you excited about wearing the JAPAN National Team jersey again?
I don't think anything will change, especially in a good way. After all, I always play with a strong sense of the importance of representing Japan. I've always felt that the tension between the Chiba Jets and the Japan National Team is slightly different, so I want to be able to move that in a positive direction.
Q You've been in good condition since the beginning of the season, but are you able to maintain the condition you're in right now?
I was late to the training camp because of the Emperor's Cup(semifinals against Utsunomiya Brex), so I think I'll do it from now on. But of course, it's in season, so I think it's in good condition.
Q Before the World Cup, you said "My position isn't guaranteed." But you've had such success as a team at the World Cup. How do you feel about that now?
That hasn't changed. This season's results are going to be different, and there are some new players. So, there may not be many point guards this time, but I hope we can play well, not just for these games, but for Paris.
Q You've played against many big teams until now, but do you think China is a little different?
China's height is definitely a factor, and I talked about various stats with Tom today, but I don't think they're a team that makes that many three-pointers, and I think they're a team that takes advantage of their height. There are things we need to improve on, such as rebounding and other areas where we are weak. Last time, the first game under Tom's system was against China in Sendai, and I felt we couldn't do anything at all. So, this is an opportunity to see how we have improved since then. I'm really looking forward to the match as it will play without Yuta(Watanabe and Keisei Tominaga).
Q Your evaluation of the World Cup was that it was great for us as a team, but personally you were disappointed. Does that personally affect this activity or future activities, or do you feel like you want to take it back, or do you feel like you need to reset it again?
It's not like I can take it back, it's my level, and it won't change no matter what happens. I don't think that will change just because I'm good. If I were called up as a National Team member like this, I want to continue to work with the mindset that I can constantly face challenges and grow as a player. To be honest, I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
Q What do you think will be the challenge of this Asian Cup in this window without Yuta and Keisei, who you mentioned earlier?
It's true that we played many games without Yuta, and I don't think anything will change, including the last game. That's not an excuse, so we have to fight hard with this team and have to win.
Q Those two players accounted for the most 3-point attempts in the World Cup. Do you think there would be fewer 3-point attempts without them, or do you think current teammates will cover?
Of course, Yuta played for 40 minutes, and Keisei's explosive scoring was things we relied on as a team at the World Cup. This time, even though these two are not here, I think someone needs to step up and gradually fill in the holes.
Q Could you tell us what did you go through your head when you heard from Tom about Olympic goals?
I think that's what everyone was aiming for, so it's something that we can realistically aim for. However, I believe that there are always things to clear one by one. All the teams participating in the Olympics are at the same level as the two teams that lost in that World Cup (Germany and Australia). I think it's a different world to beat a team of that level, so I'm really looking forward to the challenge.
Q Also, did Tom check with you to see if he could see each of you individually?
Yes. I think everyone gets excited just imagining that and has that feeling. Especially since we have a good image from the World Cup, I'm really looking forward to this team aiming to go one better.
Q Was there anything that inspired you when the women's national team won the right to participate in the final Olympic qualifying round, or was it like it was the men's turn this time?
If anything, the women have been pushing the Japanese team quite a bit. They have won the silver medal (at the Tokyo Olympics) and qualified in three consecutive Olympics. I think there is nothing more wonderful than being able to participate in the Olympics together like this. Of course, I was inspired by seeing the successes of the Women's National Team, and I want us not to be satisfied with just participating. We want to work toward our goals and achieve good results.
Q Since the World Cup, you have played more games than other players, including the EASL. Does it feel like you have come this far in such a short time?
It didn't happen that quickly, but this year, as a team, we struggled quite a bit in the first half. So, we haven't had many seasons since the B.LEAGUE started where we suffered this much. It's a bit different, but it's more like fatigue from losing than physical fatigue. I haven't had much experience with that kind of stress, and there were a lot of difficult parts. However, we gradually improved and came from behind to win against Utsunomiya on Wednesday with our good performance in the second half. After the national team activity is over, I will return to the league, so I want to make sure that I can get good results there.
Q What are your impressions of the new players, Ryo Abe and Josh Harrellson?
Of course, this is quite new for them, and it will be difficult as they are starting from scratch, but I would like to help them with the entire team. I think it's great. In particular, Abe's performance this year amazes me, and his growth is impressive compared to last year. I think the fact that such a player is called up to the national team makes the players, who currently are playing in the B.LEAGUE, feel like if they do well in this league, they will be called up to the national team, too. Of course, he is a rival, or rather, someone who is competing for a spot on the roster, but this makes me very happy, so I think we should fight together.
Q There are only six months left until Paris, but is there any difference compared to six months before the Tokyo Olympics?
I didn't know what it would be like six months ago when I was in Tokyo, but I was concerned about if it would held in the first place.
Q Compared to that, is it much easier to prepare because Japan has qualified to participate, and you know the event will be held?
There will be a lottery next month, and I think the opponents will probably be decided for about two teams, but I wonder how the lottery will be drawn. Some teams haven't been decided, but we can't even do the rankings, and we don't know if everyone knows what group or pot we're in. I was talking about this with Tom before today's practice. However, when our opponents decide, I think the staff will be able to take preparation. So I'm really looking forward to it and happy.