TOKYO - Rui Hachimura expressed his desire to return to play for Japan on Saturday after distancing himself from the national team over concerns about its management following the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Los Angeles Clippers from city rivals the Lakers in early July, had previously indicated he was considering quitting the national team after repeatedly criticizing the Japan Basketball Association's management and its former head coach, Tom Hovasse.
"I'm coming back to the national team, and I want to keep grinding for Japanese basketball," Hachimura said on his YouTube clip.
Hachimura cited the emergence of Japan's overseas-based talent, including Chicago Bulls guard Yuki Kawamura, as a reason for believing the country is in its "golden era."
"We can't let this window go to waste," Hachimura said. "As a member of this national team, I want to put in the work for Japanese basketball."
Shinji Shimada, who assumed the JBA presidency last September, said it is "his duty" to provide an environment in which the strongest members want to come together.
Hovasse's contract was terminated in early February, with Dai Oketani replacing the American to take the reins of the Akatuski Five.
