An Iolani alum and a Rainbow Warrior make Japan’s Olympic men’s basketball team

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Team Japan just announced its final 12-man Olympics squad, which features two Hawaii standouts: Iolani graduate Hugh Watanabe and University of Hawaii forward Akira Jacobs.

“My goal was always the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but the chance came a lot earlier, so I switched my focus and really wanted this one in Paris,” Akira Jacobs said.

At 20, Jacobs is the youngest member of the Japan National team and the first UH men’s basketball Olympian since 1972.

An achievement he credits to personal growth in terms of x’s and o’s and mindset.

“I have more of a belief in myself that even if the first couple plays don’t go well, to be able to work on that next play mentality is something that staff, both in Hawaii and also Japan talk a lot about. That’s one of the biggest improvements that I’ve had, which has helped me get to this point.”

As for Watanabe, he’s practically an Olympic veteran playing in his second games with Team Japan.

All of this just eight years after leading the Raiders to a state championship.

As Watanabe and Jacobs suit up for team Japan, both are also honored to bring this state to the global stage.

“I’ve only been in Hawaii for a year, but just the love and support that I’ve felt from the islands is something that I love a lot, and being able to represent both is something that I’m really proud of and really thankful for.”

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