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Rui HachimuraJapanese professional basketball player
Date of Birth: 08.02.1998
Country:  Japan |
Content:
Rui Hachimura: Japanese Professional Basketball Star
Early Life and Family BackgroundRui Hachimura was born in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, to an ethnic Japanese mother, Makiko, and a Beninese father, Zachary Jabil. His name, Rui, translates to "fortress" or "stronghold" in Japanese, a name bestowed upon him by his baseball-enthusiast grandfather. Hachimura has two younger sisters and a younger brother, Allen, who also plays basketball for Tokai University in Japan. Growing up, he also played both catcher and pitcher in baseball.
College Career
Hachimura played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He was a key player for the team, averaging 19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in his sophomore season. He was named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team and was a finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award.
NBA Career
Washington Wizards (2019-Present)Hachimura declared for the 2019 NBA Draft on April 15, 2019. He was selected with the 9th overall pick by the Washington Wizards, becoming the second Japanese player to be drafted into the NBA. He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019, and has since established himself as a valuable contributor for the Wizards.
International Career
Hachimura has represented Japan at various youth levels. He made his senior debut for the Japanese national team in 2018. He played at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, helping Japan upset Iran with a 25-point performance in the qualifying round.
