WashingtonWizards.com
When Rui Hachimura was selected by the Wizards with the ninth overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, league commissioner Adam Silver announced the selection as he does for all international players entering the league, with mention of the player’s hometown: “Rui Hachimura, from Toyama, Japan and Gonzaga University.”
For most fans, the specificity of the announcement may have gone unnoticed, but across the globe in Toyama, it was a moment of pride, joy and affirmation that one of their own had put their city on a worldwide stage.
“When it was announced at the draft, “Rui Hachimura, Toyama Japan,” we were overcome with emotion,” said Kiyoshi Mizuno of Kitanihon Broadcasting.