The Japan Basketball Association (JBA) announced on Tuesday that Rui Hachimura will not be participating in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
In a statement, the Los Angeles Lakers forward said that he plans on focusing his time on first free agency period as well as preparing for the new NBA season.
"I'm really sorry to have brought such news for all the fans who were looking forward to the World Cup," Hachimura said in a statement.
"It was a really difficult decision, but having just ended a season with a long playoff run and as I prepare for my first free agency, I have prioritized considering my future NBA career before reaching this decision," he added.
Hachimura was included in Japan's initial list of 25 players that was revealed on June 19. The roster, which includes Filipino-Japanese big man Matthew Aquino, will eventually be reduced to 12 players for the upcoming tournament.
The Japanese forward is coming off an impressive playoff performance with the Lakers, averaging 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds.
While Hachimura is expected to attract several NBA teams, his decision, however, comes as a big blow for Japan, who was hoping to have Hachimura alongside fellow NBA player Yuta Watanabe as it plays the role of host alongside Philippines and Indonesia.
The goal for Japan is to finish as the top Asian team in the FIBA World Cup, which would earn them a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We have high expectations for the players, and we will continue to work hard to achieve our goal of becoming Asia's No. 1 team in the World Cup and qualifying for the Paris Olympics,” said Japan coach Tom Hovasse.
Japan, who was pitted in Group E, will face the likes of Germany, Australia, and Finland in the initial phase of the tournament.
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