Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Suns Forward Yuta Watanabe Impresses for Japan in World Cup Debut

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Suns
By Donnie Druin | Last updated 8/25/23

2023 FIBA World Cup action is officially underway, and the lone (current) member of the Phoenix Suns has already helped open festivities.

Suns forward Yuta Watanabe played a major role for Japan on both sides of the court despite their opening loss to Germany in 81-63 fashion.

Watanabe finished with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists to go along with one steal and two blocks. He led/tied for Japan's team in points, steals and blocks.

After suffering an initial injury scare during Japan's string of warm-up games, it was good to see Watanabe not only back healthy on the court but also impressing against a strong German squad - headlined by Franz Wagner and Dennis Schroder - that could make a deep push in the tournament.

Watanabe will need the rest of his teammates to help pick some of the slack up, as Japan shot just 35% from the field and went 6-35 shooting from three-point land.

Japan will have two more group stages games against Australia and Finland.

Two former Suns in Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson will look to help Team USA win their third World Cup in four tries. Their first game begins tomorrow at 5:40 AM Arizona time against New Zealand.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Suns and was syndicated with permission.

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