ALLAN THE MAN

The Japanese national men’s basketball team will be leaning on an athletic forward named Sakuragi in its campaign in the FIBA Asia Championship.

Unfortunately for local fans of the anime series “Slam Dunk,” it won’t be redheaded rebounder Hanamichi Sakuragi.

Instead, Japan will be bannered by naturalized big man JR Sakuragi, who is making his return to national team duty in the Asian championships after six years.

Born JR Henderson, he played for UCLA in the US NCAA before becoming a star import in the JBL Super League, Japan’s top-flight basketball competition. He completed Japan’s naturalization process in 2007 and adopted the name JR Sakuragi, in part as a tribute to the anime and manga character.

He posted modest numbers of 11.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in eight games, including highs of 17 points and 17 rebounds in a key loss to South Korea.

Sakuragi had been bypassed by Japan over the past few years, before Suzuki Kimikazu, his coach with the Aisin Seahorses, was appointed as coach of the national team. That paved the way for his return.

The 36-year-old Sakuragi is expected to form an imposing frontline alongside 6-foot-9 Japanese star forward Kosuke Takeuchi.

“Sakuragi plays an important role for this team.” Suzuki said. “Several national teams have naturalized players as centers, so we need Sakuragi.”

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