LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Japan Basketball Association announced Thursday that Las Vegas Aces guard Mai Yamamoto will represent Japan at the 2026 FIBA World Cup, set for Sept. 4-13 in Berlin.
Yamamoto’s selection brings the total Aces representation to five. Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young were named to the USA team, and Steph Talbot was named to the Australia team.
Yamamoto signed with the Aces July 17. She has averaged 5.3 points and 1.7 assists while shooting 40.7% from the field and 47.4% from 3-point range in 13 minutes a game. She scored a season-high 16 points against New York on Aug. 9.
Japan opens preliminary play against Mali on Sept. 4, faces host Germany on Sept. 5 and closes pool play against Spain on Sept. 7. The tournament runs through the gold medal game on Sept. 13.
The 5-4 guard has competed in seven FIBA senior-level competitions, including the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. She helped Japan win gold at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup and silver at the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup, and was named to the All-Star Five at the 2026 World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Türkiye.
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