Ever heard of Yuki Kawamura? This Japanese basketball sensation is turning heads in the NBA, wearing the same jersey number as baseball legend Shohei Ohtani. Born in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Yuki has been a basketball star since his childhood. He led his high school team to back-to-back championships and became the youngest player to score in Japan's B. League. Now, he's making a name for himself with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Yuki is deeply respectful of his cultural roots. You'll often see him bow to the court before games, a gesture that reflects his Japanese heritage. Despite the pressure of wearing the same jersey number as Ohtani, Yuki remains grounded and focused on improving his skills. He's even working on his English to settle into life in America.

Yuki has represented Japan on the international stage, playing in tournaments like the FIBA U16 Asian Championships and the World Cup qualifiers. He was a key player in Japan's upset victory over Finland at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and shone at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite Japan's loss to France.

Meet Yuki Kawamura: The Japanese Star Making Waves in the NBA

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