Watch video highlights of the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Dubai and you'll see glimpses of the future pro Rui Hachimura's immense talents. Impressive footwork, quick and agile, excellent body control and a nice mix of offensive moves were all on display, including in Japan's game against the United States on Aug. 12.
Hachimura scored 25 points against a team that featured four future NBA players: Ivan Rabb, Caleb Swanigan, Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum. Team USA won in a landslide, 122-38. Hachimura led all players in scoring (22.6 points per game) at the 16-nation tournament.
Similarly, a year earlier, the Toyama native demonstrated that he had a real potential in basketball, his sport of choice since age 12 in junior high school.