A great captain who achieved great results for the men’s and women’s national teams.
The Japan Basketball Association (JBA) announced on February 2 that the contract with Tom Horvath, head coach of the Japan men’s national team, has been terminated. The JBA explained that the reason for the termination of the contract was, “Differences in direction regarding strengthening the national team in the future, and no individual responsibility should be taken.”
Horvath, now 59 years old, attended Pennsylvania State University and played for Toyota Motor Corporation and the NBA Hawks. After leading the Japanese women’s national team to their highest-ever silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he became the head coach of the Japanese men’s national team, and contributed to the FIBA World Cup 2023, which earned them the right to participate in the Olympics for the first time in 48 years.
The JBA released Horvath’s comments regarding the termination of his contract. Looking back on his 10 years with the men’s and women’s national teams, he said, “Although the journey has had ups and downs, it has been an irreplaceable time that I would never change.” He encouraged those involved in the national teams, saying, “There is still work to be done. Keep working hard, remembering a positive mindset, and keep growing every day. The results will definitely come.”
[Horvath comment (original text in English)]
“It is with great sadness that I announce that my journey as head coach of the national team has come to an end. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans who have passionately supported both the men’s and women’s teams over the past 10 years. Your positive attitude, patience, compassion and warm understanding will always remain in my heart and support me. I am deeply grateful to JBA.Although the journey has been full of ups and downs, it has been an irreplaceable time that I would never change. To all the staff, I have never worked with such a dedicated group. Your love and knowledge of basketball is truly inspiring, and the friendships you have made are memories that will last a lifetime. And to all the players who have given their all to the development of Japanese basketball. It has been a great honor for me to have coached you. We have achieved great things. Winning a silver medal with the women’s team at the Tokyo Olympics, coaching the men’s team at the World Cup, and qualifying for the Paris Olympics are some of the highlights. But there is still work to be done. Keep working hard, stay positive, and continue to improve every day. Thank you for your hard work.”
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