Yuta Watanabe: stats, last game & news
Player Profile
When Yuta Watanabe publicly announced his dream of reaching the NCAA and then the NBA while still in high school, few imagined he would become "The Chosen One" according to The Japan Times. Yet this forward, born on October 13, 1994, quickly turned that ambition into historic reality.
After leading his Jinsei Gakuen high school team to the final of the Japanese national tournament, Watanabe crossed the ocean to join St. Thomas More Preparatory School in Connecticut. This bold move paid off: he became the first player born in Japan to earn an NCAA Division I scholarship, paving the way to the George Washington Colonials from 2014 to 2018.
His college journey caught the attention of major American newspapers, fascinated by this rare breakthrough of a Japanese athlete in high-level basketball. Watanabe stood out for his relentless defense, tireless energy, and remarkable basketball IQ — qualities that opened the doors to the NBA.
The second Japanese player to set foot on an NBA court, he played successively for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns, demonstrating valuable versatility. At the same time, he established himself as a key contributor to the Japanese national team, participating in major tournaments including the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games.
His return to Japan with the Chiba Jets Funabashi marks a new chapter — that of a pioneer who now inspires an entire generation of Japanese basketball players to believe in their boldest dreams.
Honors & Championships
Yuta Watanabe paved the way for Japanese basketball by becoming the first student-athlete born in Japan to receive an NCAA Division I scholarship.
- Played four seasons at George Washington University as an indispensable starter
- Named Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2018
- Second Japanese player in history to play in the NBA
- Wore the jersey of four NBA franchises: the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns
- Bronze medalist with Japan at the East Asian Championship in 2013
- A cornerstone of the Japanese national team, present at the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games
Awards & Individual Honors
Yuta Watanabe built a reputation as a fearsome defender long before his arrival in the NBA, as evidenced by his numerous accolades.
- Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2018)
- Selected to the All-Tournament team at the National Prep School Invitational in high school
- Honored on the First Team All-League NEPSAC Class AAA (high school)
- Nicknamed "The Chosen One" by the Japanese press
- Named to several All-Tournament teams during his high school and college years
