NBA's Rui Hachimura to join Japan national team; participation in Liberation Day match vs. South Korea uncertain, local reports say

South Korea's men's basketball team is struggling with player availability for upcoming matches, facing a significant deficit in key wing players. The team will be without prominent figures such as Choi Jun-yong, Song Kyo-chang, and Ahn Young-jun.

In contrast, Japan's national team is set to receive a major boost with the inclusion of NBA forward Rui Hachimura. Hachimura's return to the national team comes after a period of reported conflict with the former head coach, Tom Hovasse. His presence is expected to significantly strengthen the Japanese squad.

Local Japanese media have reported on Hachimura's potential participation in a friendly evaluation match against South Korea, scheduled for Liberation Day. However, it remains unclear whether he will indeed play in the game, adding an element of anticipation to the upcoming fixture.