The phrase ‘Size doesn’t matter, heart does’ can be applied to a lot of things including basketball. There couldn’t be a clearer example of it than the matchup between France and Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympics. That’s because while one side had Victor Wembanyama, the other team had Yuki Togashi on its roster.

At a height of 7-foot-4, the 20-year-old French player towered over all his teammates during his rookie season in the NBA, and now, the same phenomenon is occurring as he represents his native country on the international stage. But, the attendees at the Olympic matchup were left in awe as the 5-foot-4 Yuki Togashi went head-to-head against Wemby.

Togashi is just 1 inch taller than the former Charlotte Hornets star Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player ever to be a part of the NBA. Fortunately, not being physically on par with any of the NBA greats did not stop Togashi from carving out his path to success. In the 9 years that he has been a part of the B League’s Chiba Jets franchise, the 31-year-old has earned an MVP title, an All-Star Game MVP title, and a Final MVP title after competing in the East Asia Super League in 2024. During his most recent season, Togashi recorded an average score of 18 points, 1.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Certainly not bad for someone who doesn’t have a physical advantage and is totally reliant on his skills.

In his matchup against Victor Wembanyama and co, Togashi was not able to hold his own and could not perform exceptionally well. During his stint on the court, the Japanese player only secured 3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist to his name. It came after the player went 1-6 with his field goals and 1-3 with his three-pointers. Having lost 2 games now, Yuki Togashi and his team may not live to fight another day.

Many will remember the final outcome of the game, however, some will keep in mind the height contrast between the two rivals. The fans have had their say on this unique match-up.

Fans react as the matchup between Victor Wembanyama and Yuki Togashi highlights the glaring height difference

Marveling at the fact that there is a size difference of over 2 Feet between Victor Wembanyama and Yuki Togashi, one social media user stated “He’s definitely the first human cheat code.” After all, such a sight can only be seen in video games or movies.

Another viewer was all praise for Yuki Togashi, even though Japan lost the matchup. He witnessed the player’s performance and saw it as an example that short players could compete at the international level. “Kawamura and Togashi just proved that small guards have a place in international basketball,” the fan wrote.

Along with his stints at the domestic level, the Japanese star has proven himself on the international stage as well. Over a decade ago, Yuki Togashi was selected to represent his country at the William Jones Cup and the Asian Games. Along with 11 other players, he was able to advance far in the Asian Games and secure the bronze medal for Japan. In the Tokyo Olympics, Togashi averaged 6.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. By going 41.2% with his field goals and 40% with his three-pointers, the player also kept his shooting at an efficient level.

Meanwhile, one user, who may have watched the France Vs Japan game from start to finish, wanted to inquire whether anyone would highlight the 3-pointer that Togashi shot over ‘Wemby.’ After all, with the height difference, the feat would have been more special. “Y’ll gonna post the 3-pointer Togashi shot over Wemby,” the X user asked.

As Togashi progressed during the second quarter, he proceeded to drop a three-pointer that tied the score 40-40. The fact that this shot was made in the presence of Victor Wembanyama was an achievement in itself.

One netizen couldn’t believe that Togashi made it to his national team despite not having the height advantage, as that would have taken some impressive display of prowess. As highlighted above, it certainly did. “Damn, how good at the game are you if you are on your national team at 5’4, bro must be a beast Lol,” the netizen wrote.

Having lost two games now, Japan may not be able to progress further in Olympic basketball. But while the medal hopes may be ending for Yuki Togashi, Wembanyama’s victory paves the way for him to come closer to his first medal.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.