Josh Hawkinson, a U.S.-born player, is making waves as the sole white player on Japan’s men’s basketball team at the Paris Olympics. Despite not having ancestral roots in Japan, Hawkinson is a Japanese citizen who has played in the country for several years and has embraced the culture. His impressive performance on the team has garnered praise, notably in a game against France where he faced off against prominent NBA player Victor Wembanyama.
While some fans have jokingly compared him to white characters in movies set in Japan, the international rules allow national teams to have one naturalized player on the roster — a position Hawkinson obtained last year after playing in Japan’s B.League. Japanese fans have embraced Hawkinson, who has played for various teams in Japan and is currently with the Sun Rockers Shibuya, averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds last season.
Transitioning to playing in Japan was initially challenging for Hawkinson, but he eventually embraced the culture, language, and people, leading to his love for the country. He has learned Japanese and indulged in Japanese cuisine, naming wagyu beef, karaage chicken, and takoyaki among his favorites.
Prior to his time in Japan, Hawkinson had a successful college basketball career at Washington State. He is part of a talented Team Japan roster that includes standout players like Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe. Hawkinson’s journey from college basketball standout to a key player on Team Japan showcases his dedication to the sport and his embrace of a new culture.
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