The University of Richmond women's basketball team has officially signed Arisa Ihara, a 6-foot guard/forward from Meerbusch, Germany, for the 2026-27 season. Head Coach Alisa Kresge highlighted Ihara's athleticism, versatility, and extensive international experience with both the German and Japanese Youth National Teams. Ihara has already proven herself on numerous platforms, including leading her high school team to significant tournament success in Japan.

By the Numbers
  • Average of 23.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks at the 2025 Japanese Interhigh tournament.
  • Average of 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the U18 Nissin Foods Top League.
State of Play
  • Ihara joins a strong incoming signing class for Richmond, bringing valuable skills to the team.
  • Her international experience includes competing at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024.
What's Next

Ihara's addition means Richmond will bolster its roster with an experienced international player, potentially enhancing their competitiveness in future seasons. Coaches and fans will be eager to see how her skills translate to the collegiate level.

Bottom Line

Arisa Ihara's signing is a strategic move for Richmond, promising to add depth and versatility to the team's lineup while leveraging her impressive international pedigree and performance metrics. Her upcoming collegiate career is anticipated to significantly impact the Spiders' prospects going forward.