Hovasse can handle the challenge and end almost four decades of pain for Japan

TOKYO (FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018) - Tom Hovasse is ready to meet the challenge of his first global tournament at the helm of Japan when he touches down in Tenerife at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

Having already delivered the FIBA Women's Asia Cup last year in his first competition as the newly installed head coach of his adopted country, Hovasse was one of the most keen and interested observers at the draw for his next assignment.

Japan are looking to end one of the most barren runs experienced by any leading nations. They may have posted a respectable 3-3 at the Rio Olympics to finish 8th prior to the arrival of Hovasse, but the Worlds have been a far different story.

Japan have not made the Quarter-Finals since way back in 1979 and will want to hit the ground running when they step out in the Canary Islands. Although that will be tricky as they will have to face one of the red-hot favorites.

"We have a couple of tough teams as Belgium are playing really good and then also, Spain playing at home and as the number two team in the World, is always going to be really tough," mused Hovasse.

"Of course, we also have Puerto Rico too and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is never going to be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge.

"We have to now focus on what we need to do and will start our scouting, as well as focusing even more in practices to get ready for this tournament.

“I am really excited by it,” he added.

There is also a sense of heightened anticipation from women's basketball fans that Japan could meet heavyweight Asia rivals China in the second stage - one of 10 main talking points from the draw.

FIBA