NBA star Rui Hachimura has been called up to Japan's men's basketball team for the second round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the Japan Basketball Association announced on Monday.
The call-up of Hachimura, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA, marks his return to the national team after a period of absence. The player had previously expressed his desire to rejoin the squad following scheduling conflicts between the NBA and international competitions.
This is seen as a significant move as Japan aims to secure a spot in the 2027 World Cup. Hachimura is one of the most important players in Japanese basketball today, with experience in the NBA and major international tournaments.
The official roster and specific plans for the team will be announced in the coming days before the second-round qualifying matches.
