Former WSU Cougar Josh Hawkinson Headed To Paris Olympics With Japan National Team

Feb 26, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars forward Josh Hawkinson (24) celebrates with the student section after a win over the Washington Huskies at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars won 79-71. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports | James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Another former Cougar will be making their first trip to the Olympics this summer.

Ex-Cougar basketball star Josh Hawkinson will represent Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympics after being named to the national team's roster this week. In 2023, Hawkinson, a Seattle native, became a citizen of Japan where he has played professionally since 2017.

第33回オリンピック競技大会 (2024/パリ) へ向けた 5人制バスケットボール男子日本代表チーム12名を発表🏀

詳しくは：https://t.co/r4aJ2OErpi @TeamJapan #AkatsukiJapan #日本一丸 #TEAMJAPAN #Paris2024 #がんばれニッポン #パリ2024 pic.twitter.com/faVa6kjRHo
— バスケットボール日本代表 (@JAPAN_JBA) July 8, 2024

Hawkinson played for the Cougars 2013-2017 and finished as WSU's all-time rebounds leader and all-time leader in double-doubles. Hawkinson averaged a double-double in points and rebounds as a sophomore, junior and senior in Pullman. He made 88 starts under then-head coach Ernie Kent. He is tenth on the WSU all-time scoring list with 1414 points.

After graduating, Hawkinson has played the last seven seasons professionally in Japan. He became a naturalized citizen and joined the Japanese national team for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Japan's group at the Paris Olympics will include France, Germany, and Brazil. They will play their first group stage game on July 27.