The only unbeaten side in the competition, the Japanese have quickness in abundance but are small – except for the 22-year-old Ramu Tokashiki.

The Tokyo native is 1.92m in height, but plays even bigger.

In Tuesday night’s game against Korea, a side that had knocked off two-time defending champions China on opening day, 72-70, Tokashiki poured in 16 first-half points.

Korea coach We Sungwoo targeted her in the third quarter, instructing his players to smother Tokashiki whenever she touched the ball in the low post.

The center finished with a game-high 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a block and Japan to win  78-71.

Having beaten Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei in their first two games, Japan remained unbeaten.

“Yes, I want to play against the top teams and best players. But first of all, I want to be become a champion here,” said Ramu Tokashiki ambitiously.