https://twitter.com/raptors/status/1498488986536448001?s=21

Unfortunately, after injury and Covid, the contract year is not turning out as well as it should for
Yuta. He clearly has the ability, right attitude and basketball smarts when given the chance.

Yuta and Japan start their Asia Cup 2022 play in the wee hours (US time) tomorrow/Wednesday against Kazakhstan in Indonesia. There apparently is a paid streaming option, although sometimes out-of-region viewers can watch for free on YouTube. In any case, I think this game tips off at 6:30am Eastern. Other group opponents are Iran and Syria. Australia is the obvious favourite. I do not believe this qualifies for the World Cup, but with all the COVID scheduling changes it might be doubling as that, too.
https://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2022/team/Japan

 

Yuta and the Japanese national team beat Kazakhstan 100-68.

Yuta's final line:
Time played - 29:26
Points - 21 (8/15 FG and 1/2 from 3)
Rebounds - 8 (4 offensive)
Assists - 4
Steals - 1
Blocks - 3
 

The news I was fearing about Yuta happened, but apparently mildly. Yuta sprained his ankle in a game against Philippines that he was dominating big time, after being pushed hard.
 It was reported that it is his second ankle sprain in the past month. (Think, if it is the same ankle, this is the same thing started against St Louis or someone in a meaningless end of a very losing game in the A-10 tournament).
  Apparently not sure if he is going to play in the next game.
But more worried about the fact that he is a free agent--and these games could sideline his NBA career or
his opportunities to be picked up elsewhere. Believe that Pops' pro career was pretty much over after being  injured in the London Olympics, including one million dollar or multi-million contract where he failed the physical. Wonder if Yuta should be playing in these games at all?
 

Just saw that online. Great job Florida Colonial in getting the news out here.
Congratulations to Yuta!
Recalled that he had a really good summer league 4 years ago for Brooklyn, so they
were familiar with him before he signed with Memphis and Toronto, both of which are senseless
franchises. And now reports mention his summer connection. But of course, it's about what he has done and most important, can do. Yuta also had a big dunk against the Nets this year. 
Hope it is a fully guaranteed contract most of all, for good money.

Last edited by jf (8/28/2022 4:47 pm)

Very cool!

Great news for Yuta, great news for GW Nets fans

 

always rooting for Yuta!

Yuta played for The Nets last night and looked good in his minutes.

Very cool to see him on a court with Durant and Kyrie.

Always great to see a GW player in the NBA, Mike Hall, Pops, TC, Pato, all had short stints in the NBA, parts of a season or 2.

Yuta looks like he's carving out a longer NBA career, the longest since Yinka??  (who played 4 seasons, coincidentally also with the Nets)   I think only Mike Brown played more NBA games out of GW.

The Nets with Kyrie Durant Simmons and a loaded supporting cast are a  legit NBA title contender, has any GW player ever got an NBA ring??

According to basketball-reference.com, Yinka played 110 games, Pops 61 and Yuta 121 (and counting).  Other notables are Cavs at 50 and Brownie the king at 626.

Here is the whole GW mens and women's list.

Last edited by BM (10/04/2022 9:54 am)