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Taiwan’s women’s basketball coach, Kenzo Maeda, is aiming to boost the sport’s popularity on the island by securing a medal at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. The Japanese coach, who began his role in April after a 18-year career in his home country, has little time to prepare for the games.

Taiwan’s women’s team, representing China Taipei, finished seventh at the last Asian Games in 2023, missing the top four for the first time since making its debut in 1990. Maeda believes his team possesses the size and talent to reclaim its place among Asia’s strongest sides, but needs to enhance its physicality and intensity on the court.

Initially brought in to address reported friction between the former coach, Michael Olson, and players, Maeda has focused on improving the team’s defensive skills since taking over. The team exhibited positive results during an invitational tournament against other Asian teams in Taiwan last month, with Maeda noting a "much better" mindset in defense.

Maeda also aims to generate more excitement around women's basketball in Taiwan. While he has been impressed by the atmosphere at local collegiate women’s games, he has been surprised by the less enthusiastic crowds at the Women’s Super Basketball League, Taiwan’s premier women’s competition.

Furthermore, Maeda’s personal life has undergone significant changes since his wife passed away in 2022. He now manages four sons aged 14, 12, 7, and 4, who have settled well in Taiwan, particularly enjoying the local food and parks. Maeda hopes to build strong ties with the Taiwanese basketball community, similar to the support he received from Akita in Japan during his wife’s illness.

Despite the challenges ahead, Maeda remains determined to fight for a medal at the Asian Games, acknowledging it will be a demanding test against top regional opposition. He emphasizes the need for his team to put forth their best effort and challenge themselves to achieve a successful outcome.