Josh Hawkinson, a U.S.-born player from Shoreline, Washington, is the only white player on Japan’s men’s basketball team at the Paris Olympics, despite having no ancestral roots in Japan. He became a Japanese citizen last year after playing in Japan’s B.League since 2017 and is considered the team’s starting center. Hawkinson made his debut with the team recently and has been praised for his impressive performance against France.
Although some fans have been confused by his presence on the team, Hawkinson has expressed his love for Japanese culture and his pride in representing Japan as an Olympian. He has embraced the country’s language, people, and cuisine, particularly enjoying dishes like wagyu beef and karaage chicken. Hawkinson transitioned to playing in Japan after a successful college career at Washington State, where he had 40 double-doubles.
International basketball rules allow national teams to have one naturalized player on a 12-man roster, making Hawkinson eligible to play for Japan. He has been embraced by Japanese fans, who have seen him play for teams like the Toyotsu Fighting Eagles and the Shinshu Brave Warriors. Hawkinson, along with other notable players like Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe, is helping to elevate Japanese basketball on the international stage.
Despite initial challenges and feelings of homesickness, Hawkinson has adjusted to life in Japan and is proud to be part of the country’s basketball growth. His presence on Team Japan has sparked conversations and jokes on social media, but he remains focused on contributing to the team’s success and showcasing his skills on the court.
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