Rui Hachimura, born February 8, 1998, in Toyama, Japan, is a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
He played college basketball at Gonzaga, where he was named WCC Player of the Year and averaged 19.7 points per game in his junior year.
Drafted ninth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2019, he became the first Japanese-born player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Hachimura has represented Japan internationally and is known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court.
Parents
Rui’s parents are Makiko Hachimura and Zakari Jabil. His mother is Japanese, while his father hails from Benin, West Africa.
This mixed heritage has influenced Rui’s identity and experiences growing up in Japan, where he faced challenges related to racism.
His father, Zakari, was a semi-professional basketball player and played a significant role in nurturing Rui’s passion for the sport.
The family has largely maintained a low profile despite Rui’s rising fame in the NBA.
College career
Hachimura played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs from 2016 to 2019.
He made his collegiate debut on November 11, 2016, becoming the fifth Japanese-born player in NCAA Division I history.
During his freshman year, Hachimura played a limited role, averaging 5.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
His contributions helped Gonzaga reach the NCAA Championship game, although they ultimately lost to North Carolina.
In his sophomore year, Hachimura’s role expanded significantly.
He averaged 11.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility.
His performance was instrumental in Gonzaga securing another strong season and a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
However, it was during his junior year that he truly broke out as a star player.
Hachimura averaged 19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, earning him the West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Year title and All-American honors.
He also won the MVP award at the Maui Invitational Tournament, further solidifying his status as a top prospect.
NBA career
In the 2019 NBA Draft, Hachimura was selected ninth overall by the Washington Wizards, marking a significant milestone as the first Japanese-born player chosen in the first round.
During his rookie season (2019-2020), he made an immediate impact by averaging 13.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team.
Over his first two seasons with the Wizards, Hachimura showed improvement in scoring and rebounding but faced challenges with injuries that limited his playing time.
In January 2023, Hachimura was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for multiple second-round picks and guard Kendrick Nunn.
Since joining the Lakers, he has continued to develop his game, contributing as a versatile forward with scoring ability and solid defense.
His performance has been particularly notable during playoff runs, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Hachimura is known for his scoring versatility; he can shoot from mid-range, finish strong at the rim, and has been developing his three-point shooting.
Additionally, Hachimura has represented Japan in international competitions, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup and Olympic qualifiers, where he has been a key player for the national team.
