Seattle Storm fans of Japanese player Ramu Tokashiki can rejoice: the player is returning to Seattle again this season. In fact, Storm member #7 has signed a contract for multiple years on the team. The team is excited to welcome back the 2016 WNBA All-Rookie Team honoree. Seattle Storm Head Coach Jenny Boucek says that Tokashiki is “a key building block” to the future of the team. She explained, “Her combination of passion, athleticism, fearlessness and instinct for the game makes her a dynamic playmaker on both ends of the floor. The sky is the limit for Taku and we are extremely excited about her commitment to the Storm.”

Boucek is not exaggerating. Not only has Tokashiki proven herself on the court both in America and Japan, but she rapidly became a fan favorite in Seattle, winning over many fans and even encouraging new WNBA fans to celebrate the Storm. In fact, many credit her with taking the Japanese team to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2004. Fans are, however, questioning when Tokashiki will report to the team—before or after the Olympic Games in Rio, which is a question they are asking about several other players as well. Hopefully we will receive more news on that front soon. Last season, Tokashiki joined in after seven games had already passed, but it was not long before she became a regular starter for the Storm. Right now, she is playing overseas with JX-ENEOS, where she is averaging 18.5 points per game.

Tokashiki averaged 8.2 points per game last season. During four games, she led the team in scoring. She averaged 3.3 rebounds per game as well. Tokashiki herself expressed excitement about returning to the team, saying that she not only had a “great experience” when she joined the team last season, but that she is also quite proud to call herself a member of the Storm. She also says that she looks forward to moving the team toward a championship, which is encouraging, positive thinking this early in the game.

Tokashiki was born on June 11, 1991. She weighs 176 pounds and stands at 6’3. She is a forward. Her nickname on the team, Taku, is pronounced “Tock.” She is not the only returning rookie; Jewell Loyd and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis will also be back with the Storm this season. Who are you most excited about returning to the team? Share your thoughts below.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia