Akaho named Tissot MVP, leads FIBA Asia Cup for Women All-Star Five

The All-Star Five

Himawari Akaho was named as the Tissot MVP at the conclusion of the FIBA Asia Cup for Women on Sunday at the Prince Hamza Arena.

Akaho averaged 10.6 points, five rebounds, and 2.2 steals for Japan in the tournament, but it was her leadership and defense that shone brightest in helping the Olympic silver medalists secure their fifth straight title, namely her last-second block in the semifinal against Australia and securing the rebound off a missed triple in the final against China to help preserve the victory.

Joining her in the All-Star Five is her teammate Saori Miyazaki, who starred in the final with 26 points and eleven assists. The latter ensured she would finish the tournament as the leader in assists at 9.6 per game.

Like Japan, China also had two members make the team. Yueru Li towered over the opposition with 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. Sijing Huang netted 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Completing the quintet is Sami Whitcomb of Australia, capping off a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Opals skipper and New York Liberty star. She averaged a near-triple-double performance for the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup hosts with 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.