“Only One Japanese Guy Made It to the NBA”: Yuta Watanabe Reveals Changing Public Perception Around his Countrymen

Currently out with a hamstring injury, Yuta Watanabe has been the surprise package for the Brooklyn Nets this season. The 6ft 8″ forward has put the league on notice with his elite marksmanship, especially from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 57.1% from the 3-point line.

Watanabe was the leading the NBA in 3-point percentage before straining his hamstring. The former Raptors player earned his flowers from teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Nonetheless, it hasn’t been a bed full of roses for Watanabe, who went undrafted in 2o18 and was the second Japanese player to ever play in the NBA after Yuta Tabuse. Labeled the ‘Chose One’ by The Japan Times, Yut began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, spending most of his time playing for their G-league affiliate Hustle before signing an exhibit 10 deal with the Raptors.

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However, it wasn’t until he arrived in Brooklyn that Watanabe had everyone’s attention. In a recent interview with Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Nets guard got candid about representing his country Japan alongside Rue Hachimura.

“I wanted to change how they thought about themselves and the Japanese”: Yuta Watanabe on representing his country in the NBA.

A blessing in disguise for the Brooklyn Nets, Watanabe has been making waves with his elite 3-point shooting coming off the bench. Playing a mere 18.2 MPG, the Japanese native is averaging 8.1 PPG on 60.9% shooting from the field, including 57.1% from the 3-point line.

When asked what it meant to represent Japan with Rui Hachimara as the only two Japanese NBA players, the Nets forward had the following response.

“I think it’s really important for us to represent our country. When I was growing up, and I said I wanted to be an NBA player, people were like, ‘Only one Japanese guy made it to the league, so it’s almost impossible. You can’t do that.’ I wanted to change those people’s perceptions. I wanted to change how they thought about themselves and the Japanese. I think more people started watching the NBA. I hope a lot of kids right now are starting to dream of being an NBA player.”

A hero back at home in Yokohama, Watanabe serves as an inspiration for millions of Asians aspiring to be in the NBA.

A statistical breakdown in Yuta Watanabe’s 3-point shooting.

Currently 57.1% from beyond the arc, Watanabe is a highly impressive 87.5% from the left corner 3, 69.2% from the right corner 3, and 76.2% from the corner 3.

The Nets forward is making 1.7 of his 3.0 attempts from beyond the arc. Nonetheless, before anyone jumps the gun, Watanabe has a long way to go prior to even having his name alongside 3-point king Stephen Curry.

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