After three years in college, Gonzaga star Rui Hachimura signed up for the NBA draft. In addition, he said playing at Gonzaga is a dream come true. Now he wants to pursue his next dream of playing in the premier basketball league.
Rui Hachimura was born in Toyama Prefecture to a Beninese father and Japanese mother. He is a top prospect in this year’s draft. During his last season for the school, he scored an average of 19.7 points and got 6.5 rebounds each game. Also, he shot 59.1 percent from the field according to bookie software. With those numbers, he helped Gonzaga reach the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament. However, Texas Tech knocked them out.
In a tweet, Hachimura thanked Gonzaga University, his coach and coaching staff, and his teammates. Also, he thanked Gonzaga fans for the support and love they gave him. Lastly, he thanked his Japanese fans for cheering him on and off the court.
Gonzaga Star Rui Hachimura a Top NBA Prospect
Rui Hachimura received the Julius Erving Small forward of the Year Award. Also, he was the West Coast Conference Player of the Year and the US Basketball Writers Association District IX Player of the Year.
If an NBA team picks and signs Gonzaga star Rui Hachimura, he will be the first Japanese player to be drafted and play in the NBA. In 1981, Yasutaka Okayama became the first Japanese player drafted by an NBA team. However, he didn’t sign with the Golden State Warriors and didn’t play in the league according to sports news archives.
At present, the best bookie pay per head projects Hachimura to be the 20th pick of the draft. His ability to make jumpers and his smooth playing style will impress various teams. Also, his athleticism and length are some factors that make him a first-round pick in the draft.
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