''We may be the underdogs, but underdogs can also win'' - Japan's Nick Fazekas

TOKYO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Japan are returning to the FIBA Basketball World Cup after missing the last two editions, and according to big man Nick Fazekas, one big reason has been a change in their competitive mindset.

"I'm happy because basketball just keeps getting bigger and bigger in Japan." - Nick Fazekas

"Before, Japanese basketball always seemed like it was stuck in a rut, always falling short of qualifying, and we tried to bring a winning mindset in," Fazekas said. "We may be the underdogs, but underdogs can also win a lot of times. It was really about playing with a lot of confidence because our team didn't look confident in those first four games we lost."

About a year ago, Japan had a terrible start to the Asian Qualifiers, losing their first four assignments and finding themselves one loss away from outright elimination.

Enter Fazekas, Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe - the trio of stars that gave the Akatsuki Five a much-needed shot in the arm. They all saw action for Japan starting in the third window, where they upset powerhouse Australia, and they've never lost since.

 
"We feel so good because it's been a long journey. We lost our first four games, and we needed to win all our remaining games to qualify to the World Cup," shared Fazekas. "I've never played in anything like this before. Coach Lamas told me how special it would be to play at the World Cup, so this is really good for us."

Coach Lamas concurred, recalling their difficulties in the first two windows before exhibiting their resilient spirit in their final eight games.

"I'm very happy about our qualification to the World Cup," coach Lamas said. "The JBA have a very serious basketball program, and I'm very happy for the players because even when we started losing the first 4 games, they still continued to work hard and didn't lose hope."

 
Japan finished their World Cup qualification journey in style last night, shooting the lights out at the Al Gharafa Sports Hall in Doha to record a lopsided 96-48 win over Gulf champions Qatar. This came after a rousing road victory a few nights ago at the Azady Gym in Tehran, where the Akatsuki Five repeated over Iran, 97-89. In total, Japan shot close to 59% from the field in both contests, underscoring a balanced and high powered offense that enabled them to clinch their first World Cup berths since hosting the quadrennial event in 2006.

"Over these 2 games, we just came out making shots," said Fazekas. "Today, everyone was making shots, but we also played great team defense."

"The players played smart and played great defense for 40 minutes," added coach Lamas.

 
Back in Tokyo, Japanese fans rejoiced at an amazing milestone for their national team. This landmark qualification coupled with the rise of the local pro league - the B.League - has put the spotlight on basketball's growth in the country.

"I'm happy because basketball just keeps getting bigger and bigger in Japan," Fazekas shared.

"This is very good for Japan basketball, especially for the young players," said coach Lamas. "They will get a very good chance to compete against the best players in the world."

 
FIBA