Josh Hawkinson Leads Japan in Scoring in Final Olympics Loss

Joe Londergan | Aug 2, 2024

Jul 27, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; Japan centre Josh Hawkinson (24) goes up at the net during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

In a 102-84 loss to Brazil on Friday, Japan center and former Washington State Cougar Josh Hawkinson posted his second double of the Paris Olympics with 26 points and ten rebounds. Hawkinson led his adopted nation in scoring on the day.

The Seattle native was named to his first Olympic roster earlier this summer after becoming a Japanese citizen in 2023. Hawkinson currently plays professionally in Japan for Sun Rockers Shibuya.

Hawkinson concludes his first Olympics with 55 points, 29 rebounds, five assists and two steals. He immigrated shortly after his career at Washington State ended. During his time in Pullman, he became the WSU program leader in rebounds as well as double-doubles. He is also tenth on the WSU all-time scoring list.

Japan are officially eliminated from the Olympic tournament with the loss. They finish with a record of 0-3 after dropping their previous contests to Germany and France.

Published Aug 2, 2024

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.