Japan point guard invited to Phoenix Mercury training camp; hopes to return to WNBA

Japanese player to attend WNBA training camp

TOKYO — A Japanese point guard is hoping to make a return to the WNBA with the defending champion Phoenix Mercury.

Yuko Oga received an offer to attend the Mercury’s training camp on April 25. She’s aiming to secure a place on the roster for the season-opening game on May 15.

The 27-year-old Oga spent one season with the Mercury in 2008, averaging 2.4 points. Oga called the U.S. “the birthplace of basketball” and said she wants to play in that environment.

Only one other Japanese player has competed in the WNBA.

Oga attended the Mercury’s camp last year but was released before the start of the season because of an injured left wrist. The Mercury won WNBA titles in 2007 and 2009.