Gonzaga star Rui Hachimura declares for NBA draft
Rui Hachimura has played his last game for Gonzaga.
The Bulldogs star announced Monday through the school that he intends to declare for the NBA draft and will hire an agent, officially putting an end to his NCAA eligibility.
Would be first Japanese-born player drafted in NBA
A projected lottery pick, Hachimura is expected to be the first Japanese-born player selected in the NBA draft.
"The last three years at Gonzaga have been a dream come true, and now I'd like to pursue my next dream of playing in the NBA," Hachimura said in a statement. "This was a significant decision for my family and myself. I just want to thank everyone at Gonzaga, especially the coaching staff and all of my teammates who went to battle with me and are my brothers for life.”
Hachimura averaged 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 59.1 percent from the floor and 41.7 percent from 3-point distance as a junior, earning West Coast Conference Player of the Year honors.
A 6-8 forward, Hachimura is projected to go as high as the top 5 in the NBA draft.
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