As Japan cruised to a 48-point win over Qatar on Sunday, there was a turning of the tide for a sport which has in recent times seen the lowest of lows in this country.The win in Doha confirmed Japan's place in the World Cup, held in China between Aug. 31 to Sept. 15. But more importantly, it showed the team, especially when its up-and-coming U.S.-based players are available, must be considered one of Asia's emerging powers.And Japanese basketball's hierarchy will be breathing a huge sigh of relief because it both means the team will have an opportunity to size itself up against the world's …READ FULL ARTICLE
