Last year, Yuko Oga, a legend in Japanese women's basketball, was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
She participated in the Olympics once during her career, at the 2004 Athens Games. At 21, she was the youngest player on the team. There was a game where she only played for a minute, but against Australia, she played for 28 minutes and scored 21 points.
"Whenever I got on the court, even if it was for a short time, I focused on bringing energy and changing the flow of the game. I was able to do that in the Australia game, which earned me more playing time," she said.
At that time, Japan were still unable to compete with the world's top teams, and they ultimately lost to Australia by 19 points in that game as well. Nevertheless, Oga's performance of scoring 21 points against a strong opponent on the big stage was something she "couldn't forget and became a motivation for me," she recalled.
She also fondly remembers moments like making a floater over Maria Stepanova in the game vs Russia and getting an and-one, and making a double-clutch shot against Miao Lijie in the game vs China.
"When I was younger, I wanted as much playing time as possible. But as I played longer, I realized what is more important is creating my moments, making impactful plays to change the flow or lead the team to victory. Those are memories that stay with me and also leave an impression on others. As a coach now, I talk to my players about this," she reflected.
Seventeen years later, at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Oga experienced her second Olympics as an associate head coach for the Japanese women's 3x3 team.
Due to the pandemic, it was held without spectators and in a completely different atmosphere from her previous Olympics. They aimed to make a mark to promote 3x3, but unfortunately, they did not achieve their goal of winning a medal.
However, two members of that team, Mai Yamamoto and Stephanie Mawuli, have grown from the experience and are now part of the 5-on-5 national team for the Paris Olympics as starting players. Oga praises their growth, attributing it to the tough 3x3 environment, and their improved shooting skills, which are crucial in 3x3.
"Their efforts in the 5-on-5 national team have significantly raised the recognition of 3x3. From Tokyo to Paris, there's a connection, and I've learned that through them," she said.
Currently, Oga is the head coach of Toyota Antelopes in the Japanese W League, and Yamamoto is one of her players. Mawuli played in Spain last season but was previously also a player for the Antelopes.
Oga shared her expectations for both players:
"For Yamamoto, it's about shooting three-pointers without hesitation. She's capable of hitting deep threes, known as logo threes. The three-pointer is a lifeline for Japan, and I want her to lead the team.
“Stephanie is an all-around player who can shoot threes, play inside, handle the ball, and play defense. I consider her unique. She went to Spain last season and developed the ability to finish even through contact. Her finishing ability has evolved in Spain,"
Oga will be a commentator for Japanese television during the Paris Olympics. In the near future, she aims to return to the international stage as a head coach for a national team.
In her Hall of Fame induction speech last August, Oga declared in front of the representatives of various national associations:
"My next goal is to become a national team head coach. I will return to the international stage, so please remember this face."
She deliberately said "a national team coach" instead of "the Japanese national team coach," indicating her openness to offers from any country.
"No offers have come yet, but I'm learning English for that moment as well," she said with a smile.
(Written by Yoko Miyaji)
FIBA