Japan's point guards have revenge on their minds against Germany, France

TOKYO (Japan) - Japan's point guards are relishing the upcoming Olympic battles with world champions Germany and hosts France.

The Japanese are is in Group B with the two European juggernauts, while the fourth team in the pool will be the winner of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga. Latvia, Montenegro, Brazil, Georgia, Cameroon and the Philippines will be at that event being staged July 2 to July 7.

"...I want to challenge Schroder. Being able to play against Germany again will make it easier to understand how much I've improved, so personally I think it's a good opportunity for revenge."

Kawamura, who was last season's B. League MVP in Japan after a stunning campaign with Yokohoma B. Corsairs, said after playing a recent B. League game: "I'm really looking forward to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Especially Germany and France are opponents we have played against many times, and we lost in the most recent tournament, so I think this is a good opportunity for us to get some revenge."

The French defeated Japan, 88-70, in Tokyo, in a tuneup game for last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup. Then in Okinawa, where Japan were hosts, Germany opened up a 53-21 lead at half-time and eased to an 81-63 triumph.

Kawamura tested himself against Dennis Schroder at the World Cup and is eager to do so again

Kawamura went up against Dennis Schroder of Germany, the player that ended up as the MVP of the tournament.

"I thought he was a clever player," Kawamura said. It wasn't just his speed, but his pace and how he used his body ...

"I still feel disappointed that I didn't play well in my first World Cup (against Germany)."

Kawamura went into the World Cup full of confidence after being named as the B. League MVP. He had led surprise package Yokohama into the Semi-Finals. Against Germany, he was only two of 12 from the field and had four turnovers and just three assists.

Kawamura believes that even though the Yokohama B.Corsairs have come back down to earth and will miss the playoffs, he has gotten better as a player.

"In this season's B League, I think I've been able to improve and try out things ...," he said.

"That's why I want to challenge Schroder. Being able to play against Germany again will make it easier to understand how much I've improved, so personally I think it's a good opportunity for revenge."

One of the most celebrated point guards in Japan before Kawamura, Yuki Togashi, is also eager to face the Germans and French again.

He spoke after a B. League game about the two European teams.

"Personally, I think it's good," he said of Japan's draw. "I think so. 

"When I woke up in the morning [after the draw], I got a message from Yuta (Watanabe), and that's how I found out...

"The team's goal is to get through the group round. My goal is for the first or second place to automatically move up..."

It turns out that Kawamura is not the only Japan point guard eager to go up against Germany and France again.

Chiba Jets star and former B. League MVP Yuki Togashi said he is as well.

"I'm looking forward to playing the first game against Germany and getting some revenge, Togashi said, "and I think it's a great atmosphere to have the opportunity to play against the host nation, France, away from home (Japan).

Togashi knows how formidable World Cup winners Germany are after facing them in Okinawa

"It's exciting just thinking about it, and I'm really looking forward to playing in that situation."

What of Japan coach Tom Hovasse's remarks after the draw about combatting the height advantage of Germany and France, like by having one of his playmakers guard the 2.24 (7'4") Victor Wembanyama.

There were many times in the NBA, for example, when Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues easily stole the ball from much taller players.

"If I play, it will probably be the tallest player and the shortest player," Togashi said, echoing the comment of his coach.  "Situations like that will definitely come up.

Togashi then said with a smile: "I think the coaching staff will be scouting, but the B. League players have no choice but to stay injury-free and play to their fullest.'

Kai Toews, who is in Japan's national team pool but was not chosen for the final 12 at the World Cup said: "First of all, I want to do my best to stay in the squad."

Toews played for Japan in February's Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers games

As for the opponents, he said: "France and Germany are strong teams, but we have to defeat those teams to get to where we want to be, so I'm really looking forward to the Paris Olympics. It seems that the combination of these is viewed positively.

Toews would relish the challenge, too, if he is in the team. 

"How can my play be effective?" he said. "I played against players who played high school and college in the United States and went on to play in the NBA. However, it's at times like these that I get really fired up, and I feel like I get a strength that I don't usually have, so I'm really looking forward to it."

FIBA