GETTING called up to be part of Japan’s 24-man national training pool surprised Matthew Aquino.
While gushing over his unexpected inclusion in the pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Aquino is out to prove he has what it takes.
“I’m flattered,” Aquino said. “I’m just very honored just to be here right now.”
The 6-foot-9 son of former PBA star Marlou, who holds a Japanese passport that makes him a local in the Japan B. League, said he is aching to show his wares for the Akatsuki Five.
“I can’t wait to give my best, not just to represent myself and Japan but my team as well,” Aquino said.
“I’m just very honored and it’s a very great blessing for me.”
Aquino’s Braves teammate Yudai Okada, as well as Bobby Ray Parks Jr.’s teammates with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins namely Tenketsu Harimoto, Yutaro Suda, and Takumi Saito are also part of the Akatsuki Five pool.
Familiar faces in Makoto Hiejima, Yuki Togashi, Shuto Ando, Avi Koki Schafer, and Kosuke Takeuchi lead the pool.
Completing the pool are Keita Imamura and Ryuichi Kishimoto (Ryukyu Golden Kings), Yuma Fujii (Kawasaki Brave Thunders), Shuta Hara (Chiba Jets), Leo Vendrame (SunRockers Shibuya), Yudai Nishida (SeaHorses Mikawa), Ryo Terashima (Hiroshima Dragonflies), Aki Chambers and Kengo Nomoto (Gunma Crane Thunders), Eliet Donley and Zack Moore (Osaka Evessa), Masaaki Morikawa (Yokohama B-Corsairs), and Takatoshi Furukawa (Akita Northern Happinets).
