Japan will replace Gavin Edwards with Ryan Rossiter in their 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers rematch against China on Saturday at the AUF Sports & Cultural Center in Pampanga.
Though Edwards scored 21 points and six rebounds in the Akatsuki Five’s 61-98 win versus Chinese-Taipei, the Chiba Jet only had eight points and six rebounds in a foul-plagued game versus China last Wednesday.
Rossiter, who stands at 6-foot-9 and plays for Utsunomiya Brex, was impressive in his only game for Japan so far. He finished with 17 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, seven assists, and a block in their 108-68 win over Chinese-Taipei back in February of 2020.
Returning from their 98-61 win over Chinese-Taipei on Friday are Makoto Hiejima, Kosuke Takeuchi, Kosuke Kanamaru, Avi Schafer, Naoto Tsuji, and Daiki Tanaka.
Brought back from their first encounter last Wednesday are Yuki Togashi, Shuto Ando, Hugh Watanabe, and Tenketsu Harimoto.
Japan has already qualified for the Asia Cup proper with a 2-1 record. China is behind at 2-0.
This will be Japan’s third game in four days.
