For Wizards rookie forward Rui Hachimura and Team Japan, their appearance in this summer’s FIBA World Cup was a chance to grow on a large stage more than anything else. Entering the tournament with a No. 48 world ranking, Japan was among the lowest in the competition. Even though the program still has progress to make on the floor, the team’s heart and its growing nationwide support was on full display.
Japan didn’t win any of its five games in China (Hachimura only played in the first three), but the world took notice of the talent that made history in June as the nation’s first-ever first-round NBA draft pick.