Announced! Rui Hachimura is ecstatic! Another major decision for Japan men's basketball.

Wow, that came out of nowhere.

Japan men's basketball officially declared the end of their contract with Tom Hovasse, despite having agreed on a three-year renewal in 2024.

He took charge of the Japanese team starting in 2021, guiding them to 19th place in the 2023 World Cup and successfully qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yet, his coaching at last year's Asian Cup resulted in only 9th place, which could have been one of the reasons for his firing.

Japan men's basketball explained the split was due to differing visions for the national team's future with Hovasse, rather than any personal blame... But everyone knows the main reason was to give Rui Hachimura some reassurance.

Rui Hachimura had explicitly opposed renewing Hovasse's contract; Hovasse once angrily told Hachimura face-to-face, "You may be a star, but my team doesn't need stars."

In short, their conflict had long been public, like fire and water, it was either me or him.

Now that the rival Hovasse is gone, it means Rui Hachimura is about to return to Japan men's basketball. He only played two games at the 2024 Paris Olympics before withdrawing due to a left calf gastrocnemius injury, averaging 22 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1 assist per game, with shooting percentages of 40% and 35.7% in two categories.

The earliest chance to see Rui Hachimura back in the Japanese jersey could be the World Cup qualifiers in July this year. Of course, he might delay his national team return due to entering the NBA free agency. This season, he earns $18.31 million, currently averaging 12.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 50% overall and hitting 1.8 three-pointers per game at 43% accuracy.

Before the NBA trade deadline on February 6th this year, Rui Hachimura might leave the Lakers and be traded to another team.

By the way,On February 26 and March 1 this year, Japan men's basketball will face China and South Korea respectively, appointing Ryukyu Golden Kings' head coach Daiki Takegaya as interim head coach.

Previously, in two World Cup qualifier games, Japan men's basketball defeated Chinese Taipei 90-64 and 80-73 respectively.

Changing coaches right before a competition is usually a big risk, but it also adds a layer of mystery to Japan men's basketball.