By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Japanese basketball federation opted to rest Rui Hachimura in classification games versus New Zealand on September 7th and Montenegro on September 9th at Dongguan.
Classification games for the 2019 FIBA World Cup spots between 17th and 32nd place are of added importance for every participating national team except Japan. Olympic qualifiers tickets remain unclaimed, but the Asian national team will directly participate in the 2020 Olympic Games as hosts.
A statement was released on the matter explaining that the 21-year-old forward of the Washington Wizards experienced knee discomfort and general fatigue.
“The Wizards and Japan Basketball have been operating under a carefully created load management plan to protect Rui’s health after a long NCAA season, the NBA draft and the NBA summer league” the Japanese basketball federation noted. “Rui experienced knee discomfort and general fatigue during the World Cup, which we have jointly monitored with the Wizards. While everyone had hoped for Rui to finish the World Cup with Team Japan, the Wizards and Japan Basketball believe it is best for Rui to not play the final two games and have a short period of rest before he must start NBA training camp with the Wizards which begins only three weeks from now. The Wizards and Japan Basketball will continue to work together on Rui’s long term development throughout the NBA season and leading into Rui’s participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”
“I love Team Japan. This was a difficult decision for the Wizards, Japan Basketball, and myself to make” Hachimura pointed out. “I am still learning about my body and trust that the Wizards and Japan Basketball are doing everything they can to help me be the best I can be for the NBA season and the 2020 Olympics.”
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL