Yuki Kawamura: The 4th Japanese Star to Play in the NBA

It caused quite a stir when Memphis signed Japanese point guard Yuki Kawamura for the 2024/25 season. This wasn’t just a marketing move; the 23-year-old earned his spot, with head coach Taylor Jenkins giving him game time in a 108-128 loss to the Houston Rockets. Kawamura even made an assist in his debut, becoming the fourth Japanese player in NBA history and showing that height – he stands at just 173 cm – isn't the only factor that matters. So, who is Yuki, and what earned him this opportunity? Let V9Bet guide you through his journey and potential.

Meet Yuki Kawamura – The Small Player with Big Talent

Born in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Japan, on May 2, 2001, Kawamura was drawn to basketball early, inspired by national player Yuki Togashi, a 168 cm point guard. Determined to forge his own path in basketball, Kawamura became known for his speed, intelligence, and resilience, winning two national high school championships with Fukuoka Daiichi High School. His exceptional play earned him a spot in Japan's professional B.League with San-en NeoPhoenix at just 18, setting records as the league's youngest scorer.

By age 23, Kawamura’s basketball career had already led him to the U.S. as the shortest player in the 2024/25 NBA season. Although he bypassed college basketball, his professional experience in Japan’s league helped him make history as the fourth Japanese player in the NBA.

Memphis Grizzlies and Yuki Kawamura

"I moved to the U.S. with the dream of playing in the NBA. Now that it’s a reality, it’s a special moment," said Kawamura after his NBA debut. His journey wasn’t straightforward; he initially joined Memphis on an Exhibit 10 contract, essentially a preseason trial, and later secured a two-way contract. This means he splits his time between the Memphis Grizzlies and their G-League affiliate, Memphis Hustle, with eligibility for up to 50 regular-season games. Given his impressive preseason stats of 3.4 points and 4.2 assists per game, he’s already played in 5 of the first 7 games, potentially setting the stage for a contract upgrade.

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Yuki Kawamura's Journey in Professional Basketball

As previously shared by V9Bet, Yuki Kawamura began his pro-basketball career with San-en NeoPhoenix before finishing high school. A year later, he moved to Yokohama B-Corsairs under a special contract while still studying at Tokai University. However, with rigorous training and continuous development, he ultimately left university in 2022 to become a full-time pro.

This decision transformed his career. Despite Yokohama B-Corsairs falling short of the title, Kawamura earned the MVP award and was named Rookie of the Year, securing a spot on the All-Star team. In 2024, he was crowned Assist King, surpassing his idol Yuki Togashi to become a key player for Japan’s national team.

Kawamura’s national-level achievements are also impressive. He started with Japan’s U-16 Asia Championship squad and joined the senior team by 21, playing in the 2022 Asia Cup, 2023 World Cup, and 2024 Olympic Games. Despite Japan's early exit, Kawamura’s tenacity at just 173 cm against towering opponents from Germany, France, and Brazil made a lasting impression.

Kawamura’s Performance and Awards

Kawamura’s growth has been exponential since leaving Tokai University to pursue the NBA. With an average of 8.44 assists per game, he won multiple awards, including MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Assist King. In the 2023/24 season, he maintained his strong form with 7.9 assists per game, capturing another Assist King title. Notably, he became the first B.League player to join the NBA, demonstrating his immense potential.

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Conclusion

Yuki Kawamura’s NBA journey is just beginning at 23. Ahead are nearly 100 games across the regular season, playoffs, and NBA Cup. Key challenges include proving himself to head coach Taylor Jenkins and competing for positions with Ja Morant and Scottie Pippen Jr. Join us at V9Bet in cheering on this rising Asian star!