2019 NBA Draft: 20 prospects to watch during the NCAA Tournament
By Tobi Altizer
Rui Hachimura, Forward, Gonzaga (#15 Ranked Prospect)
Rui Hachimura will be the first Japanese native to be drafted in the NBA when he is taken during this year’s NBA Draft. The junior from Gonzaga has put together an impressive year for Gonzaga and helped Gonzaga get a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Hachimura has been one of the most efficient scorers in the nation. He is averaging 20.1 points on 60.9 percent shooting. Hachimura has scored in double figures every game this year except their most recent loss to St. Mary’s in the WCC Tournament Championship.
Rui Hachimura is a big-bodied forward at 6-foot-8 230 pounds. His body is certainly ready to face the bigs in the NBA today. He has a good touch inside and an evolving mid-range game. He lacks a good outside game which limits him to playing more inside than playing as a true wing.
Hachimura may have raised his draft stock more this year than any other player in the NCAA. He looks ready to play in the NBA. He still is a bit raw, but with some development, he could be a force in the NBA for years to come.