Kai Toews could be Japan's next important PG. Find out why

Kai Toews is anticipated to have a significantly increased role for Japan's national basketball team in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025. The 26-year-old has been named to the official 12-man roster for the tournament running from August 5-17 and is projected to share primary point guard duties with veteran Yuki Togashi.

This shift comes as Yuki Kawamura, who previously shared the point guard role with Togashi, is unavailable due to a new contract with the Chicago Bulls. While John Harper Jr. is also listed as a point guard on the team, the 22-year-old is expected to take a backseat due to his limited senior FIBA experience, making Toews a key figure in the backcourt. Fans and analysts are watching to see how Toews capitalizes on this opportunity in his second consecutive Asia Cup appearance.

Toews debuted for Japan at the 2022 Asia Cup in Jakarta and has since shown promise and readiness. A member of Japan's 2024 Paris Olympics squad and a solid performer in Japan's B.League, his improvement translated to the national team during the recent FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. In four qualifying games, he averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and a 13.5 efficiency rating, playing a key role in Japan's near-sweep.

His standout performance came in an 89-79 win over Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar. Facing a hostile crowd, Toews hit five three-pointers, scoring 23 points (8-of-15 shooting), grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing 8 assists, and making 3 steals. Crucially, he was on the court during the closing minutes to erase a deficit, demonstrating his clutch ability. His fearlessness is seen as vital for Japan, which aims to win its first Asia Cup medal since securing silver in 1997.

Japan, featuring Toews, has been drawn into Group B for the Asia Cup alongside Iran, Syria, and newcomers Guam.