
Konno Named Player to Watch at FIBA U19 World Cup
July 16, 2019 | Women's Basketball
Norika Konno was named one of 19 players to watch at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Thailand.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -Â The 13th FIBA U19 World Cup will be held July 20-28 in Bangkok, Thailand, where head coach Jeff Walz and Team USA will attempt to capture an eighth gold medal.
In preparation of the World Cup, FIBA put together a list of 19 players to watch. Included on the list is Louisville signee, Norika Konno, who will compete for Japan.
Konno is a joy to watch because of her dynamic style and she caught the eye of everybody in a big way last year in Bengaluru at the FIBA U18 Asian Women's Championship. A talented performer at 3x3 level as well, the player known as 'Saki' (or Bloom in Japanese) is a big fan of senior star Manami Fujioka and will soon be headed to the NCAA with Louisville. Intensity, speed, scoring, a three-point danger and always crashing the boards well for her position, she can be basketball dynamite on any given day.Â
Earlier this week, Team USA made a trip to Tokyo to compete against Konno and Team Japan in exhibition play.
Konno is joined in Louisville's 2019 class by incoming freshmen Nyah Green and Ramani Parker.
For the latest on Louisville women's basketball, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's Twitter account at @UofLWBB or on Facebook at facebook.com/UofLWBB.
In preparation of the World Cup, FIBA put together a list of 19 players to watch. Included on the list is Louisville signee, Norika Konno, who will compete for Japan.
Konno is a joy to watch because of her dynamic style and she caught the eye of everybody in a big way last year in Bengaluru at the FIBA U18 Asian Women's Championship. A talented performer at 3x3 level as well, the player known as 'Saki' (or Bloom in Japanese) is a big fan of senior star Manami Fujioka and will soon be headed to the NCAA with Louisville. Intensity, speed, scoring, a three-point danger and always crashing the boards well for her position, she can be basketball dynamite on any given day.Â
Earlier this week, Team USA made a trip to Tokyo to compete against Konno and Team Japan in exhibition play.
Konno is joined in Louisville's 2019 class by incoming freshmen Nyah Green and Ramani Parker.
For the latest on Louisville women's basketball, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's Twitter account at @UofLWBB or on Facebook at facebook.com/UofLWBB.
WBB: Jeff Walz Postgame Press Conference (Georgia Tech - 2/26/2026)
Friday, February 27
WBB: Georgia Tech Highlights (2/26/26)
Friday, February 27
WBB: Reyna Scott & Laura Ziegler Presser (Senior Day - 2/24/26)
Wednesday, February 25
WBB: Jeff Walz Preview Press Conference (Georgia Tech & Senior Day 2/24/26)
Wednesday, February 25








