Japan Women's NT 2025

    Quote from sean1

    Wrong thread but yes I love her holy shit new favorite player from this tournament. She deserves more hype than Kudies

    sorry for the post. It was a mistake. Tipping by phone. Wrong tread.

    I could be happier but I'm not unhappy at all. This squad has the chemistry to play defense. That's what I want. Entertainment value over winning. Japan is 5th in World Ranking, ultimately anywhere in the top ten depending on how much the teams below them fuck around or have problems. Not bad for a bunch of little squirts

    Does Ferhat have the skills to develop players, execute game strategy, or establish counter-measures over the course of a tournament? Probably not. At least he doesn't chew gum or sport an unhappy whiny pouty loser face. He needs to bring in that NEC swing coach or someone with a similar skill set for sure

    Seki was fine. Found the middles more as the tournament went on but it didn't help the pins enough. That's on the pins. They all went from hitting mid 40% to low 30% as the opponents got tougher. But ...


    Wada proved she can play full time. Yoshino didn't crash, ending up about equal to "Ace" Mayu in all categories. That's worth a polite clap. Yukiko and Yoshino both played better defense than expected

    Contrary to popular opinion I think Japan needs a Steph Curry not a Squeal O'Neil. Winning ugly is not for me

    Smh this is why I wasn't sure about her being captain because obviously she'd take it all in and blame herself even though she's basically killing it in almost every category scoring, receiving, serving you name it.

    Quote from voly

    she's basically killing it in almost every category scoring, receiving, serving you name it.


    Attack (Kill% / Eff%)Serve (Err / Ace / Eff%)
    		Receive (Sum/Err/Pos%/Perf%)
    		Block/Touch
    Mayu41% / 27%28 / 19 / 1%
    		358 / 10 / 64% / 34%
    		5/23
    Wada44% / 29%
    		30 / 10 / -7%
    		----------5/35
    Yoshino41% / 24%
    		31 / 16 / -1%
    		320 / 11 / 60% / 28%
    		8/24


    They all performed about the same stats-wise. They all need good subs for when they are having a sucky match. Ferhat will likely never sub out Mayu, which I think is fine. She brings game knowledge and mental strength. She will take responsibility whether deserved or not. I don't see Wada or Yoshino doing that. They both have to think too much before they can speak

    The girls did well in the VNL and I did see some improvements. I think what is missing are potent subs for OH, setter, and Opp positions when thry are off. I think Iwasaki is badly needed as Seki was too overused even when she was underperforming. Not sure if the other setters they brought to VNL are enough to change the game like Iwasaki has the potential to.


    Tbh I am so underwhelmed by Akimoto and Kitamado (I'm sorry!). Maybe they need more time to mature but hopefully they show up more when brought in. Also, they need to fix permanently what they plan for Akimoto (Oh or Opp, better Opp).


    The MBs overperformed than expected and really impressed with Shimamura. Auntie showed she is very reliable. I just wish her serves improve.

    Quote from mintonette

    The girls did well in the VNL and I did see some improvements. I think what is missing are potent subs for OH, setter, and Opp positions when thry are off. I think Iwasaki is badly needed as Seki was too overused even when she was underperforming. Not sure if the other setters they brought to VNL are enough to change the game like Iwasaki has the potential to.


    Tbh I am so underwhelmed by Akimoto and Kitamado (I'm sorry!). Maybe they need more time to mature but hopefully they show up more when brought in. Also, they need to fix permanently what they plan for Akimoto (Oh or Opp, better Opp).


    The MBs overperformed than expected and really impressed with Shimamura. Auntie showed she is very reliable. I just wish her serves improve.

    Definitely need someone who can come in for Wada and do what Wada did when she came in for people.

    Miku and especially Kitty became invisible as the tournament went on. I'm bummed Nonaka couldn't make the cut. She hits with a lot more intention than those two and has a good reliable serve

    4th place in The VNL. Losing to Brazil in 5 in the semifinal and to Poland, playing in front of their home fans in the bronze medal game.

    I will say that with a new coach and some retirements, this was a decent result. Mayu can be frustrated at the result. She and her brother are very similar and expect more of themselves, even when that is not realistic.

    Now let’s see how they perform in Thailand.

    Quote from mintonette

    The girls did well in the VNL and I did see some improvements. I think what is missing are potent subs for OH, setter, and Opp positions when thry are off. I think Iwasaki is badly needed as Seki was too overused even when she was underperforming. Not sure if the other setters they brought to VNL are enough to change the game like Iwasaki has the potential to.


    Tbh I am so underwhelmed by Akimoto and Kitamado (I'm sorry!). Maybe they need more time to mature but hopefully they show up more when brought in. Also, they need to fix permanently what they plan for Akimoto (Oh or Opp, better Opp).


    The MBs overperformed than expected and really impressed with Shimamura. Auntie showed she is very reliable. I just wish her serves improve.

    Akimoto is not being placed as OPP because they are waiting for Valdez to arrive.