Olympics: Former WSU Center Josh Hawkinson Scores 16 For Japan in OT Loss to France

Joe Londergan | Aug 1, 2024

Jul 30, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; Japan centre Josh Hawkinson (24) grabs a rebound against France power forward Victor Wembanyama (32) in men’s basketball group B play 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

Former Washington State Cougar Josh Hawkinson gave another commendable effort for his adopted nation this week as the Japanese men's basketball team fell 94-90 to hosts France in group play of the 2024 Olympics.

Hawkinson, a Seattle native who earned his Japanese citizenship in 2023, scored 16 points with eight rebounds and an assist in the overtime loss. Hawkinson played just under 38 minutes, shooting 5-for-10 from the field with four made three-pointers.

Hawkinson brings his totals for the Olympic tournament to 29 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, and two steals through two games. At 0-2, Japan are not eliminated from the tournament, but have a tough task ahead of them in third place of group B.

The top two third-place teams in group play will still advance to knockout play. As of now that honor goes to Spain and South Sudan. However, if Japan (-24) finishes with a better point-differential than South Sudan (-6) and/or Spain (-5), they will move on.

The Japanese play their last match of group play on Friday, August 2 against Brazil. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 AM ET/2 AM PT.

Published Aug 1, 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.