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Looks like Yuta started for the Raptors tonight. I assume that's his first career start, correct?
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That's correct. I don't know why he only played 10 minutes, but it was his first start. Toronto is out three players, I believe all starters, due to COVID protocols.
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Fantastic video essay (about 16 minutes long) about Yuta and his journey..
Open Gym pres. by Bell S9E7 | The Yuta Watanabe story - YouTube
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Good find. Well worth the 15 minutes.
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Yuta with the most jersey sales in Japan
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Yuta is such a good guy to represent GW at the NBA level
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Glad to see him now getting some recognition and playing time too
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Love seeing him grow in the NBA. Had the pleasure of meeting him several times, great kid with real HEART and grit
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Yuta goes coast to coast for a dunk versus Lakers last night.
Yuta Watanabe with a dunk vs the Los Angeles Lakers (yahoo.com)
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Thank you for posting. Also impressive was that Yuta got real playing time (19 minutes) for that game after barely getting on the court of late. Always nice to see an ex Colonial playing in the NBA.
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And scoring,in addition to his often impressive defense.
Seems like Yuta at times made life hard for the Wizards' Westbrook in the latter stages of their game.
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xAC, thank you for posting the link to Yuta's great play. I am so happy for Yuta (and proud of GW) every time I see Yuta on the court. Now that he's gotten a real chance to play, I'm not surprised that he's making a name for himself in the NBA. Yuta has the work ethic, skill and personality to be in the league a long time, and I feel he is a difference maker in many ways. Thank you again xAC.
Last edited by 22ndandF (4/07/2021 7:57 pm)
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I always thought that Yuta was too weak of a shooter to make it in the league, but his stats say otherwise. Guess he's elevated his game and the defensive focus doesnt hurt either.
Out of our NBA hopefuls I thought Tyler would make it to a contract. Maybe his athleticism held him back - despite being a freakish athlete at the college level
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brod wrote:
I always thought that Yuta was too weak of a shooter to make it in the league, but his stats say otherwise. Guess he's elevated his game and the defensive focus doesnt hurt either.
Out of our NBA hopefuls I thought Tyler would make it to a contract. Maybe his athleticism held him back - despite being a freakish athlete at the college level
brod, I understand what you mean although I never doubted Yuta as he was used in a primary defensive manner when at GW. I am surprised that Mike Hall didn't have a long and productive NBA career as I feel his game was all around strong and would translate well to the NBA. Also, like Yuta, I feel Mike Hall had the intelligence, personality and work ethic to be a very nice NBA player for many years. For so many players in so many sports at so many levels, I feel it's often about being in the right place at the right time and then making the most of the situation. I hope to see Yuta in the league for many years!
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Yuta and the Raptors currently destroying the Cavs.
At the half Yuta had 8 points in 9 minutes including this buzzer beating 3 to end the 1st quarter.
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Yuta finishes with career high 14 pts on 6-7 shooting (2-2 from 3pt), with 5 rebounds in 20+ minutes.
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Glad to see him still thriving. Got the blessing of getting to meet him several times and he's a great guy. Funny too!
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Great find,DMV.
It was the type of breakout game we were hoping for Yuta, post injury.
He deserves a guaranteed contract. Maybe Cleveland is interested if the Repairs won't guarantee.