Hachimura hopes his success helps growth of Japan basketball

This is a win - win for Japan. If he plays well, they can take credit for his abilities and Japanese lineage, like they do with Naomi Osaka. If he does just OK, they can just lightly follow his progress. However, that said, his prowess on the court and his mixed race, will help all "hafus", living in Japan. Good luck to him.

My hometown Wizards just took him at #9. We need all the help we can get, so if I wasn't already wishing him the best I sure am now.

I'm surprised he was taken at #9.

Earlier this year he was projected as a top five pick, but his stock fell as his glaring weaknesses were exposed in the NCAA tournament. His three point shooting is abysmal, his defense is weak, and he doesn't have the explosive athleticism of his teammate Brandon Clarke, who I thought would be drafted ahead of him.

Best wishes to him and though.