Tanaka feels aggressiveness will be key to Japan win over Philippines

TOKYO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Vengeance is on star guard Daiki Tanaka's mind as he looks forward to Japan's game against the Philippines in the second window.

Tanaka remembers how the Philippines turned the tables on Japan in the first window, handing the Akatsuki Five a humbling defeat on their ow home soil. The 6ft 4in (1.92m) backcourt player believes they could have performed better against the Filipinos, and rues how they just could not execute well and find their rhythm.

"For the game against Philippines, I think we didn't start the game the way we should have," he said. "Though our coaches told us the points to keep in mind, in some situations, we couldn't make good plays. There aren't many good reasons for our loss. We let Philippines score when we shouldn't have, and we couldn't score when we should have. Our loss can be summed up in that."

Tanaka knows that for Japan to finally break into the win column at the Asian Qualifiers, they cannot afford any flat starts or dips in energy. Aggressiveness will be the name of the game for them, as well as sharp offense. Tanaka has taken it upon himself to try and lead Japan's fresh attempt to put points on the board in the second window.

"We couldn't really score in our offense. Hiejima leads our offense and scores well in our team, but I know I ​also ​have to join him as a top scorer​," added Tanaka. "The one who can play aggressively in offense needs to lead the team, and I know I am responsible for that. We were too soft in the last game against the Philippines, so we will ​definitely need to start the game more aggressively. I am sure we have a chance."

Of course, the Philippines will not be Japan's only opponent in the second window. Before Tanaka and Co. travel to Manila to play the Filipinos at the sprawling Mall of Asia Arena, they will have to defend their homestead anew against a visiting Chinese Taipai quintet, which share Japan's winless slate. For Tanaka, this match with the Taipei unit will be nothing less than must-win.

"We all know the game against Chinese Taipei will be crucial, so no matter how it will be, we will have to get a win," he said. "Even by 1 point or 2 points, to win that game is the very first thing I want. Of course, we have a chance to win against Australia and Philippines, but I believe we have higher possibility against Chinese Taipei. Every game is a 'must-win', and t​o advance to the second round, the game against Chinese Taipei will be very crucial."

At 26 years old, Tanaka is considered by head coach Julio Lamas among one of Japan's most experienced and reliable international players. Tanaka also believes he needs to lead by example, especially with a few youth players named to the senior pool to lay the groundwork for the national team's future.

"I've been playing in the national team for a long time, and I am sure younger players are watching us," he explained. "We have to act and play properly, so that these young players will realize it is important to work hard. These young players like Chikara Tanaka and Hyu Watanabe, who have newly joined in the national team camp, have such wonderful talents. They are promising players, and their talents will bloom gradually by practicing with top players in higher levels like in the national team camp. I hope they will get better and better by playing and struggling with us."

Japan face Chinese Taipei on 22 February at the Yokohama International Arena, and the Akatsuki Five tip off their payback attempt against the Philippines on 25 February.

FIBA