Basketball: Tom Hovasse sets sights on top 8 for Japan at LA Olympics

TOKYO (Kyodo) — Japan men’s national basketball team head coach Tom Hovasse said Tuesday he is aiming for Olympic qualification and a quarterfinal berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Games following his reappointment to the top job.

While Akatsuki Japan finished the Paris Olympics this past summer without a win, the team showed enough progress for the 57-year-old American to retain the confidence of the Japan Basketball Association.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, Hovasse said he was undecided about continuing in the role immediately after Paris, but felt positive after taking a break and sizing up the task ahead.

“I think we can improve our level from the Paris Olympics,” he said in Japanese. “It’s a new challenge until the Los Angeles Olympics. I want to qualify for L.A. and make it into the top eight.”

Despite Japan’s 0-3 group-stage exit in Paris, the team made headlines by going toe-to-toe with host and eventual silver medalist France in an overtime thriller, led by 29 points from Yuki Kawamura.

The 173-centimeter point guard has since earned a two-way contract with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, and Hovasse is delighted to see him stepping onto the court in the world’s premier basketball league.

“I’m so happy for him,” Hovasse said. “If he can stay in the NBA for a long time, he’ll definitely get better in terms of his play, his attitude and his strength. I’m really looking forward to seeing him back here in Japan. The (Japanese national team) team will definitely be stronger for it.”