Josh Hawkinson, a U.S.-born player from Shoreline, Washington, has generated buzz as the sole white player on Japan’s men’s basketball team at the Paris Olympics. Despite some confusion among fans, Hawkinson, who is a Japanese citizen, has been playing in Japan for several years and has embraced the culture. He made his debut with the team and has been praised for his impressive play, particularly against France’s Victor Wembanyama. As an international rule, national basketball teams are allowed one naturalized player on each 12-man roster, and Hawkinson became a naturalized citizen after playing in Japan’s B.League. Japanese fans have embraced Hawkinson, who has played with various teams in Japan and is currently with the Sun Rockers Shibuya. He has fully embraced Japanese culture, learning the language and enjoying the cuisine. Before his time in Japan, Hawkinson had a successful college career at Washington State. He is playing alongside recognizable players like Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe on Team Japan. Despite initially feeling homesick, Hawkinson has come to love Japan and is proud to be a part of raising the level of Japanese basketball. His presence on the team highlights the diversity and international connections in the sport of basketball.
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Josh Hawkinson, the only white player selected for Team Japan’s Olympic basketball squad, earns spot on the team.
