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If you want to know more about Japanese NBA players, please click the following. We can help you with your concerns. We introduce Japanese NBA players. 2004: Yuta Tabuse (Phoenix Suns) 2018-2024: Yuta Watanabe (Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns) 2019-Present: Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers) 2024-Present: Yuki Kawamura (Memphis Grizzlies)
Introduction of Japanese NBA Players
Table of Contents
Yuta Watanabe
Yuta Watanabe was a Japanese player in NBA from 2018-2024.
Yuta Watanabe plays the stretch four (combo forward) position, which is a combination of small forward and power forward.
Yuta Watanabe's 6.9 feet (206 cm) height and high basketball IQ make him a fast defender who can also defend guard.
He is also a versatile player who can make 3-pointers and cut in.
Let us introduce some of Yuta Watanabe's accomplishments.
2010-2013: Yuta Watanabe's Activities in High School
We introduce Yuta Watanabe's activities in high school.
Yuta Watanabe was active at Jinsei Gakuen High School from 2010 to 2013.
2011: Winter Cup as Sophomore in High School
This is a video of the 2011 Winter Cup final against Nobeoka Gakuen High School.
Jinsei Gakuen High School lost to Nobeoka Gakuen High School 55-88.
Yuta Watanabe (#12) had 21 points.
2012: Winter Cup as Senior Year of High School
This is a video of the 2012 Winter Cup final against Nobeoka Gakuen High School.
Jinsei Gakuen High School lost to Nobeoka Gakuen High School 66-68.
Yuta Watanabe (#7) scored 20 points.
2013-2014: Yuta Watanabe's Activities in College Preparatory School
Yuta Watanabe played for St. Thomas More School, college preparatory school, from 2013-2014.
Yuta Watanabe's number is #12.
2014-2018: Yuta Watanabe's Activities in University
Yuta Watanabe's activities in university from 2014-2018.
Yuta Watanabe played collegiately at George Washington University.
Yuta Watanabe's number is #12.
2014-2015: Freshman of University
Video highlights from Freshman of University
Here is a highlight video of Yuta Watanabe as a freshman of University.
December 25, 2014: Upset 3-Pointer against Wichita State University
Yuta Watanabe' made a upset 3-pointer against Wichita State University on Dec. 25, 2014 (2:39).
Yuta Watanabe's 10 points and four rebounds helped George Washington University to a 60-54 win over Wichita State University.
Wichita State University is led by Fred VanVleet (#23), Yuta Watanabe's teammate on Toronto Raptors.
The episode of Yuta Watanabe and Fred VanVleet in this game is introduced in "VanVleet pep talks Yuta Watanabe of Raptors, the skinny kid who was tormenting us" (in Japanese) at Christmas 7 years ago.
2015-2016: Sophomore of University
This is a highlight video of Yuta Watanabe as a sophomore of university.
August 2016: 3-Game Series of George Washington University vs. Japan National Team
Here are the games in which Yuta Watanabe played against Japan national team as a player of George Washington University in three consecutive games in 2016.
Please watch them as they are rare games in which a Japanese player plays against Japan national team as a player of United States university!
Here are the video highlights of George Washington University vs. Japan (game result: 81-66) held on August 13, 2016 at Maishima Arena in Osaka, Japan.
Here are the video highlights of George Washington University vs. Japan (match result: 77-71) held on August 16, 2016 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
Here are the video highlights of George Washington University vs. Japan (game result: 75-47) held on August 19, 2016 at Hamamatsu Arena in Shizuoka, Japan.
August 21, 2016: George Washington University vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings
On August 21, 2016, George Washington University played Ryukyu Golden Kings and won 82-58.
2016-2017: Junior of University
Here is a highlight video of Yuta Watanabe as a junior of university.
2017-2018: Senior of University
This is a highlight video of Yuta Watanabe as senior of university.
In 2018, Yuta Watanabe was named Defensive Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10 Conference, of which George Washington University is a member!
2018-2024: Yuta Watanabe's Activities in NBA
Here is a look at Yuta Watanabe's activities in NBA.
Although he was not selected in the 2018 NBA Draft, he is building his career as an NBA player.
2018-2020: First Period Activities of Memphis Grizzlies
Here is a look at the 2018-2020 first period of Memphis Grizzlies.
He played for Brooklyn Nets in the 2018 Summer League.
In recognition of his success, he signed a 2-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on July 20, 2018.
October 6, 2018: 3-Point Shot that Tied Game with 6.4 Seconds Left in Second Half against Indiana Pacers in NBA Preseason Game
Memphis Grizzlies tied the game 94-94 with 6.4 seconds left in the second half on a tying 3-pointer against Indiana Pacers in an NBA preseason game on October 6, 2018, available for viewing at 0:57.
Memphis Grizzlies defeated Indiana Pacers 109-104 in overtime.
October 27, 2018: NBA Regular Season Debut
Yuta Watanabe made his NBA debut on October 27, 2018 against Phoenix Suns.
Yuta Watanabe (number #12) scored 2 points on free throws.
Same as Yuta Tabuse, the first Japanese NBA player. you can watch it at 2:06.
If you want to know more about Yuta Tabuse, please click the following.
February 7, 2019: First Japanese and Career-High 10 Points
He became the first Japanese player to score 10 points and a career-high against Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 7, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 95-117.
December 14, 2019: First Japanese NBA Players to Face off against Each Other (Yuta Watanabe vs. Rui Hachimura)
Yuta Watanabe and Rui Hachimura became the first Japanese NBA Players to play against each other.
Here is the highlight video of Rui Hachimura.
At 0:54, Yuta Watanabe (#18 in white jersey) plays nice defense on Rui Hachimura (#8 in red jersey).
In this highlight video of Rui Hachimura, Yuta Watanabe and Rui Hachimura exchange jerseys at 3:59.
If you want to know more about Rui Hachimura, please click the following.
January 22, 2020: Career-High 40 Points against Delaware Blue Coats of NBA G League
On January 22, 2020, Yuta Watanabe scored a career-high 40 points against Delaware Blue Coats as a player for Memphis Hustle (Memphis Grizzlies' G League team) in NBA G League.
2020-2022: Activities of Toronto Raptors
Here's a look at his time with Toronto Raptors from 2020-2022.
He signed a 10-day contract with Toronto Raptors on December 1, 2020 and a 2-way contract on December 20, 2020.
April 16, 2021: Career-High 21 Points against Orlando Magic
He scored a career-high 21 points against Orlando Magic on April 16, 2021.
April 19, 2021: Book contract with Toronto Raptors
On April 19, 2021, Yuta Watanabe signed this contract with Toronto Raptors.
This is the result of his success to date!
December 3, 2021: Made Two 3-Pointers against Milwaukee Bucks and Played Late-Game Defense
Here's a video of him making two 3-pointers against Milwaukee Bucks on December 3, 2021, and playing some late-game defense.
Toronto Raptors defeated Milwaukee Bucks 97-93.
December 13, 2021: First Double-Double of NBA Career (12 Points, 10 Rebounds) against Sacramento Kings
Yuta Watanabe had the first double-double of his NBA career (12 points, 10 rebounds) against Sacramento Kings on December 13, 2021.
Yuta Watanabe's performance helped Toronto Raptors to a 124-101 victory over Sacramento Kings.
December 26, 2021: Double-Double with 26 Points and 13 Rebounds against Cleveland Cavaliers (both Career Highs)
He had a double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds against Cleveland Cavaliers on December 26, 2021 (both career highs).
Toronto Raptors lost 99-144 to Cleveland Cavaliers.
January 21, 2022: Second Game against Rui Hachimura in NBA (Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards)
On January 21, 2022, this was the second game against Rui Hacnimura in NBA (Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards).
Toronto Raptors defeated Washington Wizards 109-105.
January 24, 2022: 24 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Blocks against Westchester Knicks
He has played for the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League since January 24, 2022.
He had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks against Westchester Knicks.
Yuta Watanabe's performance helped Raptors 905 to a 112-105 win over Westchester Knicks.
February 28, 2022: Poster Dunk on Kessler Edwards against Brooklyn Nets
This is the scene of a poster dunk on Kessler Edwards (number #14) against Brooklyn Nets on February 28, 2022.
Yuta Watanabe had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block.
Yuta Watanabe's performance helped Toronto Raptors defeat Brooklyn Nets 133-97.
2022-2023: Activities of Brooklyn Nets
Here is a look at his time with Brooklyn Nets from 2022-2023.
Yuta Watanabe's number is #18.
October 26, 2022: 5 Points against Milwaukee Bucks
He had 5 points against Milwaukee Bucks on October 26, 2022.
Brooklyn Nets lost to Milwaukee Bucks 99-110.
November 4, 2022: 14 Points and 8 Rebounds against Washington Wizards (against Rui Hachimura in NBA)
He had 14 points and 8 rebounds against Washington Wizards on November 4, 2022.
Yuta Watanabe had a matchup with Rui Hachimura of Washington Wizards!
Thanks to Yuta Watanabe's performance, Brooklyn Nets defeated Washington Wizards 128-86.
November 17, 2022: 20 Points (5 Threes) and 7 Rebounds against Portland Trail Blazers
He had 20 points (5 threes) and 7 rebounds against Portland Trail Blazers on November 17, 2022.
Yuta Watanabe's five 3-pointers are the most by a player in his & Japanese history!
Yuta's big game helped Brooklyn Nets to a 109-107 win over Portland Trail Blazers.
January 30, 2023: 12 Points against Los Angeles Lakers (against Rui Hachimura in NBA)
On January 30, 2023, he and Rui Hachimura, who had moved from Washington Wizards, faced off against Los Angeles Lakers.
Yuta Watanabe's 12 points helped Brooklyn Nets defeat Los Angeles Lakers 121-104.
2023-2024: Activities of Phoenix Suns
Here is a look at his success during his time with Phoenix Suns in 2023-2024.
Yuta Watanabe's number is #18.
October 24, 2023: 8 Points, 4 Rebounds against Golden State Warriors
He had 8 points and 4 rebounds against Golden State Warriors on October 24, 2023.
Yuta Watanabe's performance helped Phoenix Suns defeat Golden State Warriors 108-104.
2024: Second Period Activities of Memphis Grizzlies
Here is a look at the second period of Memphis Grizzlies in 2024.
Yuta Watanabe's number is #18.
February 12, 2024: 11 Points against New Orleans Pelicans
He had 11 points against New Orleans Pelicans on February 12, 2024.
Memphis Grizzlies lost to New Orleans Pelicans 87-96.
2024 - Present: Yuta Watanabe's Activities of B.LEAGUE (Japan)
The following is an introduction to Yuta Watanabe's activities of B.LEAGUE (Japan).
2024 - Present: Activities of Chiba Jets
Here are activities of Chiba Jets from 2024 to the present.
Yuta Watanabe's Activities of Japan National Team
The following is an introduction to Yuta Watanabe's activities of Japan national team.
September 9, 2019: Japan's All-Time Leading Scorer with 34 Points against Montenegro
On September 9, 2019, he scored 34 points, the most in Japan national team's history, against Montenegro.
Japan national team lost to Montenegrin national team 65-80.
July-August 2021: Tokyo 2020 Olympics
The activities in Tokyo 2020 Olympics held in July-August 2021 are summarized the following.
August-September 2023: FIBA Basketball World Cup
The activities in FIBA Basketball World Cup held in August-September 2023 are summarized the following.
July-August 2024: Paris 2024 Olympics
The activities in Paris 2024 Olympics held in July-August 2024 are summarized the following.
Summary
We introduced Yuta Watanabe, a Japanese basketball player who made great strides in the NBA.
Yuta Watanabe played in NBA for 6 years and is a good 3P shooter.
If you want NBA goods, please go to NBA Store!