Not just Japan: Rui Hachimura wants Asia’s basketball dream to grow bigger

 As teenagers from across Asia gathered inside Singapore’s OCBC Arena for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura made it clear that his vision extends beyond Japan. The first Japanese player drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft wants to inspire “the whole Asia” and create more pathways to the league, with Lauren Jackson and Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond echoing the importance of opportunities and grassroots development. As teenagers from across Asia gathered inside Singapore’s OCBC Arena for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura made it clear that his vision extends beyond Japan. The first Japanese player drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft wants to inspire “the whole Asia” and create more pathways to the league, with Lauren Jackson and Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond echoing the importance of opportunities and grassroots development.