The success of 27 3-point shots per game is the highest number in the Asian Cup in the last 15 years.
In the Asian Cup 2022, the Japan Men’s Basketball team played against Syria in the second match of the group league and won 117-56. Despite the influence of Syria’s loose defense, 27 out of 52 3-point shots were successful and the long-range gun exploded. Even if he defended it, he put a lot of pressure on him to take 15 steals, and it was a victory of the conscience to carry out the basketball that Japan is aiming for in offense and defense.
“I think it was a good game from start to finish,” said commander Tom Hovasse in the first voice, looking back on both offense and defense. “Syria has done various zone defenses such as Triangle Two and Box One, but there was no mark. From the beginning, I got a shot and played with good rhythm and good energy. The defense was full court at first. I also did traps, but it didn’t go as well as I expected, and on the contrary, I could easily decide to shoot from the passout. After making it a base defense instead of a trap, everyone calmed down. “
Not to mention the highlight of this match, Yutaro Suda’s nine successes led to 27 3-point shots, which was the highest number of matches in the Asian Cup in the last 15 years. Hovasse said, “The selection of shots was good. I was able to move the ball well and let the shooter hit open. There were few bad shorts, such as the shooter passing the non-shooter. I am also satisfied with the quality of the shoot.
“For example, you make too many passes, or you drive a lot without the shooter hitting. When a player whose role is a drive starts hitting a 3-point shot, the rhythm goes wrong. That wasn’t the case today. “
“The confidence gained here can continue.”
In terms of each role, there is no doubt that Yuta Watanabe is the absolute axis of the team. Hovasse also talks about the magnitude of Watanabe’s influence. “Yuta Watanabe has helped the team a lot. He was able to hit a 3-point shot and lacked a stretch 4 to protect the bottom of the goal in defense, but he is in charge of it. By being in Stretch 4, the opponent has to be on the lookout for his shots and drives, which opens up other players. “
However, at the same time, all the commanders continue to play basketball as the Japanese national team’s way of fighting. “We give every player a go-ahead to attack with a chance. Everyone has the No. 1 option and there is no No. 2 option for this team. If it’s your role and you know the role of the other players Today, we gave 34 assists, because everyone was looking for shooters and teammates with so many numbers. Everyone has to trust each other and put pressure on the defensive. I know that is the role. “
Until now, Japan has been developing offenses that place great importance on 3-point shots, but has been struggling to exceed the success rate of 40%, which is a guideline for points. Hovasse emphasizes that despite the slowness of his opponent’s defense, the fact that he was able to achieve the best results in the official match is significant.
“I’m confident in shooting. I’m confident that I can shoot with chances. This is a big thing for me. I don’t know if I can carry over today’s success rate against Iran. I can continue to be confident. I am happy to see the shooters make high-probability decisions and reward their hard work. “
In the next round, we will finally pass the 1st place in the group league and play against the powerful Iran. Victory is an absolute requirement to avoid fighting Australia, the big favorite of the championship candidate in the best eight, but I would like you to take advantage of the momentum you gained in this match and overcome the first mountain of the tournament.
