Rui Hachimura, the first Japanese player selected in the opening round of the NBA draft, embarked on his professional basketball career Tuesday on the first day of the Washington Wizards' mini-camp.
The 21-year-old, who was claimed by the Wizards with the ninth pick on Thursday after three seasons at Gonzaga University, said he was a bit overwhelmed by the size of his new organization but sensed he was in good company.
"I feel like there are a lot of people," Hachimura said. "It's hard because there are a lot of coaches, staff and other people to remember, but they're all good people and I feel like I'm playing for a good team."