Yuta Watanabe

Position:
SF
Height:
203 cm
Weight:
98 kg
Age:
30 yo (1994 October 13)
Citizenship:
Japanese
Five reasons to be excited about Japan's basketball after the Olympics

2024-08-07

Japan's Olympic basketball drought continues, extending its 42-year dry spell after a winless run at the Paris 2024 Olympics. But hold your tears, folks – this story has a twist.
Yuta Watanabe reacts to Japan's performance in Paris Olympics

2024-08-02

Japan lost today 84-102 against Brazil, ending their run at this Olympics torunament with a 0-3 record. Nevertheless, the Japanese star, Yuta Watanabe, was very proud of his teammates and their efforts.
Japan shocks France, sends a message to the world

2024-07-31

Despite missing out on the biggest victory in their Olympic and World Cup history, Japan's performance against France sent a clear message to the world: Japan's basketball growth must be respected. The entire world was watching. NBA future Victor Wembanyama made his second Olympic appearance with the French national team, supported by 27,000 fans in the electric Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Kawamura, Japan react to controversial foul call against France

2024-07-30

The Japan national team was just 10 seconds away from their biggest victory in Olympic Games or FIBA World Cup history. However, Matthew Strazel had other plans. The French guard pulled up for an off-balance three-pointer, drew a foul from Yuki Kawamura, and completed a 3+1 play. This erased Japan's confident four-point lead in mere seconds, forcing the game to overtime.
Rui Hachimura, Yuta Watanabe praise basketball growth culture in Japan

2024-07-27

Japan kickstarted their Olympic route, losing to Germany 77-97, showcasing that the current world champions were too much for them to handle at this moment. Franz Wagner led the show for Germany, finishing the game with 22 points (9/17 FG, 2/8 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 21 EFF. Japan's national team stars, Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe, also proved their status.
Yuta Watanabe signs historic deal in Japan

2024-07-11

Japanese basketball superstar Yuta Watanabe has officially signed with the Chiba Jets, confirming the information reported on BasketNews. The Jets will hold a special official press conference after the Paris 2024 Olympics to provide background on Watanabe's signing, per the press release. The 29-year-old, 2.06 m forward is set to join Chiba for the 2024-25 season, according to the announcement.
Japan finalizes roster for Paris Olympics

2024-07-09

Japan announced its final 2024 Paris Olympics roster featuring well-known players such as Rui Hachimura, Yuta Watanabe, Josh Hawkinson, and Yuki Kawamura. Hachimura, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, is making his return to the national team after missing the FIBA World Cup 2023.
Yuta Watanabe close to joining Chiba Jets

2024-06-11

Japanese basketball superstar Yuta Watanabe is close to joining the Chiba Jets, sources tell BasketNews. Per BasketNews sources, there is a high expectation within the league that the 6-year NBA veteran, who appeared in 213 NBA games, will play for the Jets next year. The 29-year-old, 2.06 m forward is set to make his B.League debut next season.
Yuta Watanabe to play in Japan next season

2024-04-20

Memphis Grizzlies sharpshooter Yuta Watanabe announced via Instagram Live his plans to return to his native Japan next season, according to Keith Smith. Despite holding a $2.6 million player option for the upcoming season, Watanabe intends to exit the NBA at least temporarily after completing six seasons in the league.
Yuta Watanabe traded to Memphis Grizzlies

2024-02-08

The Memphis Grizzlies are set to acquire Yuta Watanabe from the Phoenix Suns in a three-team trade, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. As part of the deal, the Suns will also be sending out three other players with minimum salaries: Keita Bates-Diop, Jordan Goodwin, and Chimezie Metu.
Yuta Watanabe takes back his words: 'I'll represent Japan until I die'

2023-09-02

Yuta Watanabe and Japan have a special reason to celebrate. Following their victory in Saturday's game against Cape Verde, Japan has secured a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics as the best Asian team in the FIBA World Cup 2023.
Yuta Watanabe after crucial win vs Venezuela: 'I'm proud of us'

2023-08-31

Once again, Japan needed a miracle. Once again, they eliminated a huge deficit to get a win. Makoto Hiejima hit multiple clutch three-pointers, Yuki Kawamura played hero minutes, and Yuta Watanabe was the leadership figure behind it all. With the second win of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Japan is now one win away from qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Yuta Watanabe names Japan's strength that sets them apart in World Cup

2023-08-29

Even though Japan lost to Australia in the final game of the First Round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the squad comes to the next part of the journey with one significant advantage - they are the only Asian team with a win. Gilas Pilipinas and Lebanon ended the First Round winless, while China, Jordan, and Iran all have two losses in their account before Wednesday's final games.
Yuta Watanabe admits he battles injury, changes his tune on Okinawa fans

2023-08-28

Phoenix Suns sharpshooter Yuta Watanabe and his Japanese national team eliminated Lauri Markkanen's Finland from FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 title contention on Sunday. Despite facing an 18-point deficit, Japan made an impressive comeback, shattering the direct Paris Olympic Games hopes of the Finnish team.
Yuta Watanabe calls for fair ticket distribution amidst empty seats in Okinawa

2023-08-26

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 tipped off on Friday across three host nations -- the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. Japan was among the teams involved in the action, as the national team welcomed Germany at Okinawa Arena. Despite the game being sold out, Japan's star Yuta Watanabe couldn't help but notice a significant number of empty seats in the gym.
'Japanese way': Dennis Schroder, Mo Wagner praise support in Okinawa

2023-08-25

The only takeaway from the Germany-Japan game is that Japanese support is epic. One of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 host nations didn't stand a chance against the Germans, losing the game 63-81. However, off the court, it was a positive and brilliant experience. And the biggest German basketball stars agreed with such a statement.
Yuta Watanabe considers retiring from NT if Japan fails to qualify for Paris Olympics

2023-08-24

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is on the horizon, bringing with it not only the thrill of competition but also the weight of qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This event holds immense significance as all 32 teams, except France, participating are under pressure to secure their spots.
Yuta Watanabe suffers an injury, leaves friendly game vs Angola early

2023-08-15

A friendly game in the SoftBank CUP 2023 Tokyo Tournament between Japan and Angola featured an episode that scared the local basketball fans. Even though Japan won the contest 75-65, the team lost its leader Yuta Watanabe.
Yuta Watanabe signs with Phoenix Suns

2023-07-01

Free agent wing Yuta Watanabe has agreed on a deal with the Phoenix Suns, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. The 28-year-old Japanese brings three-point shooting to complement the Suns' already impressive lineup consisting of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
Yuta Watanabe tells what it means to represent Japan with Rui Hachimura

2022-12-04

Brooklyn Nets forward Yuta Watanabe is one of the pleasant NBA surprises this season. He was leading the NBA in 3-point percentage (57.1% 3PT) when he was hurt after a victory over Memphis on Nov. 20.
1 2  »

Olympic Games

MIN 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS EFF GM
2024 Japan 36:51 42.8%
6/14
34.9%
7/20
67%
2/3
6.3
5.3/1
0.7 0.7 1.3 1.7 - 0.7 - 11.7 12.3 3 »
2021 Japan 35:30 51.9%
14/27
33.4%
5/15
71.3%
10/14
8
5.7/2.3
2 1.7 2.7 1 - 1.7 - 17.7 17 3 »

NBA

MIN 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS EFF GM
23/24 Phoenix Suns 13:10 50%
11/22
32%
24/75
65.4%
10/15
1.5
1.1/0.4
0.3 0.3 0.6 0.2 - 1.2 - 3.6 2 29 »
23/24 Memphis Grizzlies 16:26 55.6%
5/9
10%
1/10
0%
0/2
1.8
1.8/0
1 0.6 0.6 0 - 1 - 2.6 1.4 5 »
23/24 All Teams 13:39 51.6%
16/31
29.6%
25/85
58%
10/17
1.6
1.2/0.3
0.4 0.4 0.6 0.2 - 1.2 - 3.4 1.9 34 »
22/23 Brooklyn Nets 15:48 56.1%
54/97
44.4%
61/137
69.9%
34/49
2.4
1.9/0.5
0.8 0.4 0.4 0.3 - 1.4 - 5.5 5.4 59 »
21/22 Toronto Raptors 10:51 48.7%
31/64
33.7%
27/80
60%
24/40
2.2
1.7/0.4
0.5 0.3 0.5 0.4 - 0.9 - 4 3.5 42 »
20/21 Toronto Raptors 14:27 47.8%
43/90
40%
36/90
82.8%
24/29
3.2
2.5/0.7
0.8 0.5 0.4 0.4 - 1.1 - 4.4 5.6 50 »
19/20 Memphis Grizzlies 5:49 46.5%
12/26
38.6%
3/8
38.6%
3/8
1.1
0.7/0.4
0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 - 0.5 - 2 1.7 18 »
18/19 Memphis Grizzlies 11:37 37.3%
13/35
12.1%
2/16
70.1%
7/10
2.1
1.8/0.3
0.5 0.3 0.4 0.1 - 0.7 - 2.6 1.8 15 »

FIBA Basketball World Cup

MIN 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS EFF GM
2023 Japan 35:01 59.4%
19/32
25.8%
8/31
75%
12/16
6.2
6.2/0
1 0.6 2 1.8 - 2 - 14.8 14.4 5 »
2019 Japan 32:21 53.5%
23/43
15.4%
2/13
92.9%
26/28
5.6
4.6/1
1.6 0.8 1.2 0.4 - 1.8 - 15.6 14.6 5 »
Date Team Opponent Score MIN 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS PF PTS EFF
84-102 35 44.4%
4/9
25%
2/8
0%
0/1
9
6/3
0 0 0 3 0 14 14
90-94 40 0%
0/1
33.3%
1/3
100%
2/2
8
8/0
1 2 4 0 0 5 9
97-77 34 50%
2/4
44.4%
4/9
-
0/0
2
2/0
1 0 0 2 2 16 14
92-122 17 0%
0/1
-
0/0
0%
0/2
1
1/0
0 1 2 0 2 0 -5
110-101 7 -
0/0
0%
0/1
-
0/0
1
1/0
2 0 0 0 1 0 1
86-111 21 50%
1/2
0%
0/1
-
0/0
4
4/0
1 0 0 0 1 2 4
113-110 11 0%
0/1
0%
0/1
-
0/0
1
1/0
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
87-96 25 80%
4/5
14.3%
1/7
-
0/0
2
2/0
1 2 1 0 1 11 7
114-106 0 -
0/0
-
0/0
-
0/0
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
112-140 7 100%
2/2
50%
1/2
-
0/0
0
0/0
0 2 1 0 0 7 7
120-136 1 -
0/0
-
0/0
-
0/0
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
109-132 7 100%
1/1
-
0/0
-
0/0
2
2/0
0 0 0 0 1 2 3
109-127 4 -
0/0
-
0/0
-
0/0
1
1/0
0 0 1 0 1 0 -1
138-111 5 -
0/0
0%
0/2
50%
1/2
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 1 1 -3
113-97 8 50%
1/2
0%
0/1
-
0/0
1
0/1
0 0 0 0 0 2 1
109-88 5 100%
1/1
0%
0/1
-
0/0
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 0 2 1
113-129 1 0%
0/1
-
0/0
-
0/0
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 0 0 -1
120-105 11 100%
1/1
0%
0/3
-
0/0
2
2/0
0 0 0 0 2 2 -1
122-139 7 -
0/0
-
0/0
-
0/0
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
112-116 7 -
0/0
0%
0/2
-
0/0
1
0/1
0 0 0 0 2 0 -3
119-116 19 -
0/0
25%
1/4
-
0/0
1
1/0
1 1 1 1 2 3 1
106-114 23 -
0/0
37.5%
3/8
-
0/0
2
2/0
1 0 0 0 0 9 7
116-109 15 -
0/0
50%
1/2
50%
1/2
2
1/1
0 1 2 0 3 4 0
112-105 15 0%
0/2
0%
0/3
50%
1/2
1
0/1
0 1 1 2 0 1 -2
113-116 14 -
0/0
50%
2/4
50%
1/2
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 1 7 3
128-131 10 0%
0/1
50%
1/2
-
0/0
2
1/1
0 0 0 0 1 3 2
133-115 22 0%
0/2
25%
1/4
-
0/0
2
2/0
3 0 0 1 1 3 3
99-111 17 -
0/0
100%
2/2
-
0/0
0
0/0
2 0 0 0 1 6 7
119-122 14 0%
0/1
33.3%
1/3
-
0/0
1
0/1
0 0 0 0 5 3 -4
115-116 17 -
0/0
40%
2/5
-
0/0
4
4/0
0 0 3 1 2 6 3
106-120 20 100%
1/1
33.3%
1/3
100%
1/1
1
1/0
0 0 2 0 1 6 2
112-100 22 -
0/0
25%
1/4
100%
2/2
5
2/3
0 1 1 0 2 5 5
121-132 26 100%
1/1
0%
0/4
50%
1/2
4
4/0
1 0 0 0 1 3 2
114-115 19 100%
1/1
42.9%
3/7
-
0/0
3
2/1
2 1 2 0 1 11 10
126-104 20 33.3%
1/3
25%
1/4
100%
2/2
4
3/1
0 2 0 1 2 7 7
100-95 14 0%
0/1
100%
1/1
-
0/0
1
1/0
0 0 1 0 2 3 0
104-108 17 100%
1/1
50%
2/4
-
0/0
4
4/0
0 0 1 1 2 8 8

Olympic Games

MIN 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS EFF GM
Japan 36:20 42.9%
6/14
35%
7/20
66.7%
2/3
6.3
5.3/1
0.7 0.7 1.3 1.7 - 0.7 - 11.7 12.3 3 »
Home game 37:30 40%
4/10
27.3%
3/11
66.7%
2/3
8.5
7/1.5
0.5 1 2 1.5 - 0 - 9.5 11.5 2 »
Away game 34:00 50%
2/4
44.4%
4/9
- 2
2/0
1 0 0 2 - 2 - 16 14 1 »
Losses 36:20 42.9%
6/14
35%
7/20
66.7%
2/3
6.3
5.3/1
0.7 0.7 1.3 1.7 - 0.7 - 11.7 12.3 3 »
Last 5 games 36:20 42.9%
6/14
35%
7/20
66.7%
2/3
6.3
5.3/1
0.7 0.7 1.3 1.7 - 0.7 - 11.7 12.3 3 »
July 37:00 40%
2/5
41.7%
5/12
100%
2/2
5
5/0
1 1 2 1 - 1 - 10.5 11.5 2 »
August 35:00 44.4%
4/9
25%
2/8
0%
0/1
9
6/3
0 0 0 3 - 0 - 14 14 1 »
Versus Germany 34:00 50%
2/4
44.4%
4/9
- 2
2/0
1 0 0 2 - 2 - 16 14 1 »
Versus Brazil 35:00 44.4%
4/9
25%
2/8
0%
0/1
9
6/3
0 0 0 3 - 0 - 14 14 1 »
Versus France 40:00 0%
0/1
33.3%
1/3
100%
2/2
8
8/0
1 2 4 0 - 0 - 5 9 1 »

NBA

MIN 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS EFF GM
Totals 13:10 51.6%
16/31
29.4%
25/85
58.8%
10/17
1.6
1.2/0.3
0.4 0.4 0.6 0.2 - 1.1 - 3.4 1.9 34 »
Memphis Grizzlies 16:12 55.6%
5/9
10%
1/10
0%
0/2
1.8
1.8/0
1 0.6 0.6 0 - 1 - 2.6 1.4 5 »
Phoenix Suns 12:39 50%
11/22
32%
24/75
66.7%
10/15
1.5
1.1/0.4
0.3 0.3 0.6 0.2 - 1.2 - 3.6 2 29 »
Home game 15:20 50%
10/20
27.5%
14/51
50%
4/8
1.6
1.3/0.3
0.7 0.4 0.4 0.2 - 1.2 - 3.7 2.1 18 »
Away game 10:45 54.5%
6/11
32.4%
11/34
66.7%
6/9
1.5
1.2/0.3
0.1 0.3 0.7 0.3 - 1.1 - 3.2 1.6 16 »
Wins 11:00 50%
8/16
35.1%
13/37
71.4%
5/7
1.4
1.2/0.2
0.3 0.3 0.6 0.3 - 0.9 - 3.3 2.2 18 »
Losses 15:37 53.3%
8/15
25%
12/48
50%
5/10
1.8
1.3/0.4
0.6 0.4 0.5 0.1 - 1.4 - 3.6 1.6 16 »
Last 5 games 16:12 55.6%
5/9
10%
1/10
0%
0/2
1.8
1.8/0
1 0.6 0.6 0 - 1 - 2.6 1.4 5 »
October 17:00 40%
2/5
44.4%
4/9
100%
2/2
3
2.7/0.3
0 0.7 0.7 0.7 - 2 - 6 5 3 »
November 17:49 33.3%
3/9
34.1%
14/41
66.7%
6/9
2.1
1.5/0.6
0.7 0.3 0.8 0.4 - 1.5 - 4.9 2.8 11 »
December 11:51 50%
1/2
26.3%
5/19
50%
1/2
1.1
0.9/0.3
0.3 0.3 0.4 0.1 - 1.3 - 2.6 0.4 7 »
January 5:48 75%
3/4
0%
0/4
50%
1/2
0.8
0.6/0.2
0 0 0.2 0 - 0.6 - 1.4 0.2 5 »
February 10:17 70%
7/10
16.7%
2/12
- 1.1
1.1/0
0.7 0.6 0.3 0 - 0.4 - 2.9 2.7 7 »
March 17:00 0%
0/1
- 0%
0/2
1
1/0
0 1 2 0 - 2 - 0 -5 1 »
Versus Minnesota Timberwolves 14:30 0%
0/2
20%
1/5
- 1.5
1.5/0
2.5 0 0 0.5 - 1 - 1.5 2 2 »
Versus Detroit Pistons 20:00 100%
1/1
33.3%
1/3
100%
1/1
1
1/0
0 0 2 0 - 1 - 6 2 1 »
Versus Utah Jazz 15:00 25%
1/4
33.3%
2/6
100%
2/2
3
2/1
0 1 0 0.5 - 1.5 - 5 4.5 2 »
Versus Washington Wizards 7:00 100%
2/2
50%
1/2
- 0
0/0
0 2 1 0 - 0 - 7 7 1 »
Versus Miami Heat 8:00 50%
1/2
0%
0/1
- 1
0/1
0 0 0 0 - 0 - 2 1 1 »
Versus Brooklyn Nets 9:40 50%
1/2
0%
0/3
- 1.7
1.3/0.3
0.3 0 0 0 - 1 - 0.7 0.3 3 »
Versus Toronto Raptors 15:00 0%
0/2
0%
0/3
50%
1/2
1
0/1
0 1 1 2 - 0 - 1 -2 1 »
Versus Oklahoma City Thunder 17:00 - 100%
2/2
- 0
0/0
2 0 0 0 - 1 - 6 7 1 »
Versus Philadelphia 76ers 22:00 - 25%
1/4
100%
2/2
5
2/3
0 1 1 0 - 2 - 5 5 1 »
Versus Los Angeles Lakers 10:40 0%
0/2
50%
2/4
- 1
0.7/0.3
0 0 0.7 0 - 2.7 - 2 -1.7 3 »
Versus New Orleans Pelicans 25:00 80%
4/5
14.3%
1/7
- 2
2/0
1 2 1 0 - 1 - 11 7 1 »
Versus Dallas Mavericks 7:00 100%
1/1
- - 2
2/0
0 0 0 0 - 1 - 2 3 1 »
Versus Portland Trail Blazers 11:00 50%
1/2
0%
0/1
0%
0/2
0.5
0.5/0
0 0.5 1 0 - 1 - 1 -2 2 »
Versus Sacramento Kings 17:00 100%
1/1
27.3%
3/11
- 2
2/0
0.5 0 0 0 - 1 - 5.5 3 2 »
Versus New York Knicks 10:30 - 50%
2/4
50%
1/2
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 - 0.5 - 3.5 1.5 2 »
Versus Chicago Bulls 17:00 - 40%
2/5
- 4
4/0
0 0 3 1 - 2 - 6 3 1 »
Versus San Antonio Spurs 22:30 100%
2/2
27.3%
3/11
50%
1/2
3.5
3/0.5
1.5 0.5 1 0 - 1 - 7 6 2 »
Versus Golden State Warriors 18:00 100%
1/1
37.5%
3/8
- 2.5
2.5/0
0.5 0.5 1 1 - 2 - 5.5 4.5 2 »
Versus Milwaukee Bucks 5:30 0%
0/1
0%
0/1
- 0.5
0.5/0
0.5 0 0 0 - 0 - 0 0 2 »
Versus Los Angeles Clippers 5:00 - 0%
0/2
50%
1/2
0
0/0
0 0 0 0 - 1 - 1 -3 1 »
Versus Houston Rockets 1:00 0%
0/1
- - 0
0/0
0 0 0 0 - 0 - 0 -1 1 »
Versus Memphis Grizzlies 15:00 - 50%
1/2
50%
1/2
2
1/1
0 1 2 0 - 3 - 4 0 1 »
Height:
203 cm
Weight:
98 kg
Age:
30 yo (1994-10-13)
Birth place:
Japan
Citizenship:
Japanese
Height:
-
Weight:
-
Age:
-
Birth place:
-
Citizenship:
-