:Yuta Watanabe

{{for-multi|the badminton player|Yuta Watanabe (badminton)|the baseball player|Yuta Watanabe (baseball)}}

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Yuta Watanabe

| image = Yuta Watanabe 20230825 Basketball World Cup 01.jpg

| image_size = 230px

| caption = Watanabe with the Japan national team in 2023

| position = Small forward / power forward

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 9

| weight_lb = 215

| league = B.League

| team = Chiba Jets Funabashi

| number = 1

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|10|13}}

| birth_place = Yokohama, Japan

| high_school =

Jinsei Gakuen
(Zentsūji, Japan)
St. Thomas More
(Oakdale, Connecticut)

| college = George Washington (2014–2018)

| draft_year = 2018

| career_start = 2018

| years1 = {{nbay|2018|start}}–{{nbay|2019|end}}

| team1 = Memphis Grizzlies

| years2 = 2018–2020

| team2 = →Memphis Hustle

| years3 = {{nbay|2020|start}}–{{nbay|2021|end}}

| team3 = Toronto Raptors

| years4 = 2022

| team4 = →Raptors 905

| years5 = {{nbay|2022|full=y}}

| team5 = Brooklyn Nets

| years6 = {{nbay|2023|full=y}}

| team6 = Phoenix Suns

| years7 = {{nbay|2023|end}}

| team7 = Memphis Grizzlies

| years8 = 2024–present

| team8 = Chiba Jets Funabashi

| highlights =

Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year (2018)
Third-team All-Atlantic 10 (2018)
2× Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team (2017, 2018)

| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport | Men's basketball}}

{{MedalCountry|{{JPN}}}}

}}

{{Nihongo|Yuta Watanabe|渡邊雄太|Watanabe Yūta|born October 13, 1994}} is a Japanese professional basketball player for the Chiba Jets Funabashi of the B.League. He played college basketball in the United States for the George Washington Colonials (now Revolutionaries), becoming the first Japanese-born student athlete to secure an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship.[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/sports/george-washingtons-yuta-watanabe-hopes-to-inspire-players-in-japan.html "Coming off the bench, a basketball ambassador"], New York Times He was named Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. He has also represented the Japan national team, helping them win the bronze medal at the 2013 East Asia Basketball Championship.

Before moving to the collegiate level, Watanabe attended Jinsei Gakuen High School in Zentsūji, Kagawa. He later transferred to St. Thomas More Preparatory School in Oakdale, Connecticut in 2013. Watanabe rose to fame in his high school program, and was one of their most valuable players in the National Prep School Invitational as a senior in 2014. In college, he became the fourth-ever Japanese-born Division I basketball player.

High school career

Watanabe attended Jinsei Gakuen High School in Kagawa. He led the basketball team to the runner-up spot of the All-Japan High School Basketball Tournament in his final two years with the program. While in Jinsei Gakuen, Watanabe said his career goal was to make it to the NCAA and ultimately join the NBA.{{cite web |last1=Nagatsuka |first1=Kaz |date=13 May 2013 |title=Japan's 'chosen one' has big dreams |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/05/13/basketball/japans-chosen-one-has-big-dreams/ |access-date=6 September 2014 |website=JapanTimes.co.jp}}{{cite web|last1=Nagatsuka|first1=Kaz|title=Teen standout Watanabe faces major challenges in pursuit of NBA dream|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/06/09/basketball/teen-standout-watanabe-faces-major-challenges-in-pursuit-of-nba-dream/|website=The Japan Times|date=9 June 2013 |access-date=6 September 2014}}

In late 2013, Watanabe traveled to the United States and attended St. Thomas More Preparatory School in Oakdale, Connecticut. At the conclusion of his sole high school season outside his native country, Watanabe averaged 13 points and six rebounds. He helped the team reach a 26–8 overall record and a ticket to the National Prep Championship game. On January 31, 2014, in his first appearance in the annual National Prep School Invitational, Watanabe scored 12 points versus Suffield Academy. He contributed 20 points and six rebounds in a 70–61 victory against Canarias Basketball Academy from Spain.{{cite web|title=17th Annual National Prep School Invitational|url=http://netscoutsbasketball.com/camps/national-prep-school-invitational/|website=NetScoutsBasketball.com|date=21 January 2013 |access-date=22 January 2015}} As a result, he was named to the National Prep School Invitational All-Tournament Team and garnered prestigious New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AAA First Team All-League honors.{{cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe Bio|url=http://www.gwsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/yuta_watanabe_898135.html|access-date=30 July 2014|website=GWSports.com|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403033248/http://www.gwsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/yuta_watanabe_898135.html|url-status=dead}} Watanabe was also labeled "the Chosen One" by The Japan Times.

Watanabe was rated a 77 (three-star recruit) by ESPN Recruiting Nation. He was also given a three-star rating by Scout.com and the same composite grade.

College career

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In fall 2014, George Washington Colonials head coach Mike Lonergan received a phone call from Jamie Cosgrove, a coach at Trinity College who saw Watanabe play with St. Thomas More.{{cite news|last1=Feinstein|first1=John|title=Yuta Watanabe, Japan's 'Chosen One,' hopes his path to GW leads to NBA|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/yuta-watanabe-japans-chosen-one-hopes-his-path-to-gw-leads-to-nba/2015/01/14/f3ecfe4e-9bff-11e4-a7ee-526210d665b4_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=16 January 2015}} Watanabe eventually committed to play for GWU. This allowed him to attend GWU in the 2014-15 year as a freshman.{{cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe|url=http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/yuta-watanabe|website=VerbalCommits.com|access-date=6 September 2014|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124113254/https://www.verbalcommits.com/players/yuta-watanabe|url-status=dead}} It was made official when Watanabe posted the message through Twitter, "I've decided to go to George Washington University. The school has a good basketball team, too. I'm sure I'll have hard times both in basketball and academics, but I'll give it my best shot."{{cite web|last1=Nagatsuka|first1=Kaz|title=Watanabe opts to go to George Washington U.|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/02/05/basketball/watanabe-opts-to-go-to-george-washington-u/|website=The Japan Times|date=5 February 2014 |access-date=6 September 2014}} According to ESPN, his second option was Fordham, who gave Watanabe an offer to join their team as well. He became the first Japanese-born male player to get an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship{{cite news|last=Berkman|first=Seth|title=Coming Off the Bench, a Basketball Ambassador|date=January 20, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/sports/george-washingtons-yuta-watanabe-hopes-to-inspire-players-in-japan.html?ref=sports&_r=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201143926/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/sports/george-washingtons-yuta-watanabe-hopes-to-inspire-players-in-japan.html?ref=sports&_r=0|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2016-11-07|title=Japan's hoops hero: Watanabe primed for breakout junior season|url=https://www.gwhatchet.com/2016/11/07/japans-hoops-hero-watanabe-primed-for-breakout-junior-season/|access-date=2021-04-20|website=The GW Hatchet}} and just the fourth to play college basketball at that level.{{#tag:ref|The other three were KJ Matsui (Columbia), Taishi Ito (Portland) and Michael Takahashi (Cal State Northridge).{{cite web|title=12 Yuta Watanabe|work=GWSports.com|url=http://www.gwsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/yuta_watanabe_898135.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403033248/http://www.gwsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/yuta_watanabe_898135.html|archive-date=April 3, 2015|url-status=live}}|group=lower-alpha}}{{Cite web|title=GW Basketball Holds Court at the White House|url=https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/gw-basketball-holds-court-white-house|access-date=2021-04-20|website=gwtoday.gwu.edu}} Regarding Watanabe's collegiate career, former Japanese college basketball player KJ Matsui said, "It's good for Nabe-chan (Watanabe) to play at a competitive team, but he's going to have to battle for playing time."{{cite web|last1=Nagatsuka|first1=Kaz|title=Encouragement, advice helped steer Watanabe to GWU|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/02/19/basketball/encouragement-advice-helped-steer-watanabe-to-gwu/|website=The Japan Times|date=19 February 2014 |access-date=14 September 2014}} The Colonials had four other recruits coming into the program for 2014–15: Anthony Swan, Darian Bryant, Matt Cimino, and Paul Jorgensen.{{cite web|title=2014 Geo. Washington Basketball Commitment List|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/commitments/2014/georgewashington-632|website=Yahoo!|access-date=23 January 2015}}

After he joined George Washington in 2014, featured profiles of Watanabe were published by major American newspapers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.{{cite web|title=Washington Post, New York Times Profile GW's Yuta Watanabe|url=http://www.atlantic10.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31600&ATCLID=209859325|website=Atlantic10.com| date=21 January 2015 |access-date=22 January 2015}} On Watanabe's athletic caliber and exceptional career breakthrough into the NBA, where players of East Asian descent are uncommon, former Richmond Spiders men's basketball player and half-Chinese Zach Chu said, "To see someone of Asian descent, and play as well as he does, it's cool for college basketball, really cool for the Asian community." The George Washington athletics website received the second-most views from Japan in hits by country, ranked behind only the U.S. On many occasions, he was congratulated on the school's campus. Speaking on his ethnic and racial background, sporting fame and athletic legacy, he said, "Japanese are thinking Americans are bigger and taller and more athletic. They are thinking it's more difficult for Japanese to play in NCAA, but I'm playing right now, so I want to make other people come to the United States." NBA-bound players of East Asian ancestry such as Matsui, Yao Ming, Jeremy Lin, and Yuki Togashi have been the target of racist comments in the past, but Watanabe apparently did not receive racially insensitive remarks in his first few years in the NBA and the U.S. Nevertheless, he said, "If they said something racist, I don't care."

= Freshman =

File:Yuta Watanabe GW.jpg

On November 14, 2014, Watanabe made his debut for George Washington, against Grambling State, finishing with eight points, seven rebounds and a block in 20 minutes, contributing to the team's 92–40 win, its largest win since 1999.{{cite web|title=Garino, George Washington beat Grambling St. 92-40|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400591080|publisher=ESPN|access-date=24 December 2014}}{{cite web|title=Grambling St Tigers vs. George Washington Colonials Box Score|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400591080|publisher=ESPN|access-date=24 December 2014}} On December 12, Watanabe was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week after averaging 9.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in three games as he helped the team win the 2014 Diamond Head Classic crown.{{Cite web|title=GW's Larsen, Watanabe Sweep Atlantic 10 Hoops Weekly Awards|url=https://gwsports.com/news/2014/12/29/gw_s_larsen_watanabe_sweep_atlantic_10_hoops_weekly_awards.aspx|access-date=2021-04-20|website=George Washington University Athletics|language=en}} Watanabe hit a key three-pointer with 3 minutes and 32 seconds remaining to upset Wichita State with a 60–54 win on December 25.{{cite web|title=George Washington upsets No. 11 Wichita State in final of Diamond Head Classic|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/25/george-washington-upsets-no-11-wichita-st-60-54/?page=all|website=The Washington Times|access-date=22 January 2015}} On March 7, he set a career-high 21 points, knocking down seven 3-pointers, against Massachusetts.{{cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe Game Log 2014-15 Regular Season|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/3133838/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2015|access-date=16 January 2015|publisher=ESPN}} On March 9, Watanabe earned his second Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week honor, becoming the first to earn multiple Rookie of the Week awards in the same season since Lasan Kromah earned three in 2009–10. He led the Colonials to a 2–0 final week of the Atlantic 10 regular season with a team-best 13.5 points on 53 percent shooting, including 64 percent behind the arc, along with five rebounds and two assists.{{Cite web|title=Kalinoksi, Watanabe Earn Final Weekly Awards|url=http://atlantic10.com/news/2015/3/9/209936019.aspx|access-date=2021-04-20|website=atlantic10.com|date=9 March 2015 }}{{Cite web|title=GW Men's Hoops' Watanabe Earns Second A-10 Rookie of the Week Award|url=https://gwsports.com/news/2015/3/9/GW_Men_s_Hoops_Watanabe_Earns_Second_A_10_Rookie_of_the_Week_Award.aspx|access-date=2021-04-20|website=George Washington University Athletics|language=en}}

As a freshman, Watanabe was a key bench player and an instrumental element on the Colonials' rotation. He was often awarded playing time in late-game situations. Head coach Mike Lonergan said, "With Yuta, we have scoring off the bench. If I start Yuta, we have no scoring off the bench at all."

= Sophomore =

On March 5, 2016, Watanabe posted career-highs in scoring and assists with 22 points and six assists in George Washington's 87–80 loss to Davidson.{{Cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe Game Log 2015-16 Regular Season|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/3133838/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2016|access-date=2021-04-20|website=ESPN}} On March 31, he logged a team-high 19 points and a career-high four blocks as George Washington won the 2016 National Invitation Tournament with a 76–60 win over Valparaiso.{{Cite web|title=GW Men's Basketball Wins NIT Championship|url=https://gwsports.com/news/2016/3/31/GW_Men_s_Basketball_Wins_NIT_Championship.aspx|access-date=2021-04-21|website=GWSports.com}} It was the first time in program history the team won a postseason championship.

Overall, Watanabe was the team's leader in blocked shots with 40, ranking second in the Atlantic 10. His 8.4 points per game was the fifth best on the team.

= Junior =

On November 15, 2016, Watanabe logged his first double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in a 77–75 victory over Siena. On January 8, 2017, he had a career-high three steals in a game against Richmond. Watanabe scored a season-high 21 points in an 80–71 loss against Illinois on March 20.{{Cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe Game Log 2016-17 Regular Season|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/3133838/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2017|access-date=2021-04-20|website=ESPN}}

As a junior, Watanabe was the second-leading scorer at George Washington at 12.2 points per game.{{Cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe Biography|url=https://gwsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/yuta-watanabe/6153|access-date=2021-04-21|website=GWSports.com}} He was also named to the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team.{{Cite web|title=Cline Named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Miller Voted as Coach of the Year|url=http://atlantic10.com/news/2017/3/7/211515812.aspx|access-date=2021-04-20|website=atlantic10.com|date=7 March 2017 }}

= Senior =

On November 20, 2017, Watanabe grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds versus Rider.{{Cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe Game Log 2017-18 Regular Season|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/3133838/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2018|access-date=2021-04-20|website=ESPN|language=en}} On November 29, he logged a career-high five steals against Morgan State. In his final game for the Colonials on February 28, 2018, Watanabe scored a career-high 31 points in a 72–56 win over Fordham .{{Cite web|date=2018-03-01|title=Watanabe says an emotional goodbye to the Smith Center|url=https://www.gwhatchet.com/2018/03/01/watanabe-says-an-emotional-goodbye-to-the-smith-center/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=The GW Hatchet}}

As a senior, Watanabe was George Washington's leading scorer at 16.3 points per game and second-leading rebounder with 6.1 per game, while also leading the team in blocks with 54. He was named the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year,{{cite news|last=Buckner|first=Candace|title=In Japan, he is 'The Chosen One.' Can Yuta Watanabe become the country's second-ever NBA player?|date=July 12, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/in-japan-he-is-the-chosen-one-can-yuta-watanabe-become-the-countrys-second-ever-nba-player/2018/07/12/ba3fab50-853b-11e8-9e80-403a221946a7_story.html}}{{Cite web|title=Aldridge, Adams Named Atlantic 10 Co-Players of the Year, Rhode Island's Hurley Voted as Coach of the Year|url=http://atlantic10.com/news/2018/3/6/211704410.aspx|access-date=2021-04-20|website=atlantic10.com|date=6 March 2018 }} becoming the first Colonial to win the award.{{cite news|last=Odeven|first=Ed|title=Yuta Watanabe reflects on successful hoop career at George Washington|date=April 13, 2018|newspaper=The Japan Times|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/04/13/basketball/yuta-watanabe-reflects-successful-hoop-career-george-washington/}} Watanabe also made the Atlantic 10 All-Conference's Third Team and Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team. He also received George Washington's Patricio Garino Defensive Award and Mike Brown MVP Award, both awards named after the former basketball alumni.{{Cite web|title=Men's Basketball Hands Out Awards at Team Banquet|url=https://gwsports.com/news/2018/3/5/Men_s_Basketball_Hands_Out_Awards_at_Team_Banquet.aspx|access-date=2021-04-20|website=George Washington University Athletics|language=en}}

At the conclusion of Watanabe's college career, he ranked near the top of key categories in GWU history including second in blocked shots (147), second in games played (134) and 15th in scoring (1,460).

Professional career

=Memphis Grizzlies (2018–2020)=

File:Rui Hachimura Yuta Watanabe (50640688868).jpg in 2020]]

File:Yuta Watanabe (50641445461).jpg

After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, Watanabe played for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2018 NBA Summer League. Afterwards, he signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and their NBA G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.{{Cite web|title=Memphis Grizzlies sign Yuta Watanabe to two-way contract|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/memphis-grizzlies-sign-yuta-watanabe-to-two-way-contract-180720|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Memphis Grizzlies|language=en}} On October 27, 2018, Watanabe made his NBA debut, coming off the bench with two points and two rebounds in a 117–96 win over the Phoenix Suns. He became the second Japanese player to play in the NBA after Yuta Tabuse, who debuted with the Phoenix Suns in 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070761|title=Gasol, Conley lead Grizzlies to easy win over Suns 117-96|work=ESPN.com|date=October 27, 2018|access-date=October 27, 2018}} Though he spent the majority of the season in the G League with the Hustle, the Grizzlies were third behind the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in merchandise sold in Japan due to Watanabe's presence.{{cite news |last1=Buckner |first1=Candace |title=For Wizards' Rui Hachimura, Memphis trip brings a pair of special reunions |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/12/15/wizards-rui-hachimura-memphis-trip-brings-pair-special-reunions/ |access-date=January 6, 2020 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=December 15, 2019}} In the G League, Watanabe started in 32 of 33 games, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks in 33.9 minutes while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from 3-point range.{{Cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe G-League Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/players/w/watanyu01d.html|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Basketball-Reference.com}}{{Cite web|last=Odeven|first=Ed|date=2019-04-18|title=Yuta Watanabe makes positive impact as a rookie|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/04/18/basketball/yuta-watanabe-makes-positive-impact-rookie/|access-date=2021-04-20|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US}}

Watanabe shared his time playing back and forth for the Grizzlies and the Hustle for the season. On December 14, 2019, Watanabe and Rui Hachimura of the Washington Wizards became the first pair of Japanese players to share the court in the NBA.{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Basketball: Hachimura, Watanabe meet on NBA court in first for Japan|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/12/002bafda9fbb-basketball-hachimura-watanabe-meet-on-nba-court-in-first-for-japan.html|access-date=2021-04-04|website=Kyodo News+}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|last2=|date=2019-12-16|title=Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe Become the First Japanese NBA Players to Play Against Each Other|url=https://nextshark.com/yuta-watanabe-rui-hachimura/|access-date=2021-04-04|website=NextShark|language=}} On January 4, 2020, Watanabe had a team-high 28 points on 12-of-19 field goal shooting and 2-of-4 from three, to go with seven rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals in the Hustle's 130–127 win over the Iowa Wolves.{{cite news |title=Grizzlies' Yuta Watanabe: Posts big line in G League |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/grizzlies-yuta-watanabe-posts-big-line-in-g-league/ |access-date=January 6, 2020 |work=CBS Sports |date=January 5, 2020}} He scored a career-high 40 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field and 8-of-11 from three on January 22, in a win versus the Delaware Blue Coats.{{cite news |last1=Greer |first1=Jarvis |title=Hustle wins again as Yuta goes for 40 |url=https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/01/23/hustle-wins-again-yuta-goes/ |access-date=January 23, 2020 |work=WMC Action News |date=January 22, 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Odeven|first=Ed|date=2020-01-23|title=Yuta Watanabe scores career-high 40 points in NBA G League game|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/01/23/basketball/yuta-watanabe-scores-career-high-40-points-nba-g-league-game/|access-date=2021-04-20|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US}} Watanabe was named Midseason All-NBA G League for the Western Conference.{{cite web|url=http://www.desototimes.com/sports/four-hustle-players-on-g-league-midseason-team/article_d819a24c-4c50-11ea-96c9-f7e7fd313fa1.html|title=Four Hustle players on G League midseason team|first=Bob|last=Bakken|work=DeSoto Times-Tribune|date=February 10, 2020|access-date=February 12, 2020}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-02-11|title=Hustle's Yuta Watanabe named to Midseason All-NBA G League team|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/02/11/basketball/hustles-yuta-watanabe-named-midseason-nba-g-league-team/|access-date=2021-04-20|website=The Japan Times}} In the G League, Watanabe started in all 22 games, averaging 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block in 32.7 minutes while shooting 54.6 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from 3-point range.{{Cite web|title=Yuta Watanabe Is Making His Mark as the Raptors' New Glue Guy|url=https://www.complex.com/sports/2021/01/yuta-watanabe-making-mark-as-raptors-new-glue-guy|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Complex}}

=Toronto Raptors (2020–2022)=

On November 27, 2020, Watanabe signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Toronto Raptors to join their pre-season roster.{{Cite web|last=Ewing|first=Lori|date=December 1, 2020|title=Toronto Raptors sign Canadian Oshae Brissett, unveil camp roster in Florida|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-raptors-sign-canadian-oshae-brissett-unveil-camp-roster-in-florida-1.5212381|work=CTV|quote=Free-agent forwards Alize Johnson and Yuta Watanabe have signed one-year, Exhibit-10 contracts.}}{{Cite web|date=December 1, 2020|title=Raptors Finalize 2020-2021 Training Camp Roster|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/raptors-finalize-2020-2021-training-camp-roster|access-date=2021-04-20|website=NBA.com}} On December 19, his deal was converted to a two-way contract, after he made the team out of pre-season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bardown.com/yuta-watanabe-the-nba-s-second-japanese-player-makes-the-raptors-after-training-camp-1.1566475|title=Yuta Watanabe, the NBA's second Japanese player, makes the Raptors after training camp|date=December 19, 2020|work=TSN Bardown}}{{Cite web|date=December 20, 2020|title=Raptors Sign Watson & Watanabe|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/raptors-sign-watson-watanabe|access-date=2021-04-20|website=NBA.com}} On December 31, Watanabe debuted for the Toronto Raptors, recording four rebounds, one assist, a block and a steal across nine minutes in a 100–83 win over New York Knicks, notching their first victory of the season.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Yuta Watanabe Stats|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/player/_/id/3133838/yuta-watanabe|access-date=|website=ESPN}}{{Cite web|title=New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors Live Score and Stats - December 31, 2020 Gametracker|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/boxscore/NBA_20201231_NY@TOR/|access-date=2021-01-05|website=CBSSports.com|language=en}} On January 29, 2021, Watanabe scored a then career-high 12 points coming off the bench, along with six rebounds, two assists and two steals in a season-high 24 minutes of action in a 126–124 loss to the Sacramento Kings.{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Yuta Watanabe: Solid in extended opportunity|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-yuta-watanabe-solid-in-extended-opportunity/|access-date=2021-01-30|website=CBSSports.com|date=30 January 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Basketball: Rui Hachimura returns with 9 points in Wizards' defeat|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/01/cca4b89030c4-basketball-hachimura-returns-with-9-points-in-wizards-defeat.html|access-date=2021-01-30|website=Kyodo News+|quote=Compatriot Yuta Watanabe came off the bench and scored a personal-high 12 points for the Toronto Raptors in their narrow 126-124 defeat to the Sacramento Kings. The forward's 24 minutes and 27 seconds on the court was his longest this season. The third straight defeat for the Raptors leaves them with a 7-12 record.}} In the fourth quarter, Watanabe logged seven points including a layup that cut the lead to one point.{{Cite news|last=Rose|first=Aaron|title=Raptors Continue To Struggle Against Below Average Teams|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-drop-winnable-game-to-sacramento-kings|access-date=2021-01-30|website=Sports Illustrated Toronto Raptors News, Analysis and More|language=en}}{{Cite news|date=2021-01-30|title=Kings slip past Raptors in shootout|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/basketball-nba-tor-sac-idUSMTZXEH1UQ9VQXH|access-date=2021-01-30}} On February 9, Watanabe sustained a left ankle injury during a workout.{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Yuta Watanabe: Tending to sprained ankle|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-yuta-watanabe-tending-to-sprained-ankle/|access-date=2021-04-16|website=CBSSports.com|date=10 February 2021 }}{{Cite magazine|last=|first=|title=OG Anunoby, Yuta Watanabe Ruled Out Against Wizards|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-yuta-watanabe-og-anunoby-washington-wizards-injury-update|access-date=2021-04-16|magazine=Sports Illustrated|quote=Watanabe's injury is a new one for the Raptors. He popped up on Toronto's injury report Wednesday with a left ankle sprain he sustains during a workout on Tuesday, Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. Watanabe was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to doubtful and then out.}}{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Doug|date=2021-04-14|title=Analysis {{!}} Yuta Watanabe gets chance to prove he belongs with rash of injuries to Raptors roster|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2021/04/14/yuta-watanabe-gets-chance-to-prove-he-belongs-with-rash-of-injuries-to-raptors-roster.html|access-date=2021-04-16|website=Toronto Star|quote=}} After missing four games, he returned to action on February 18, logging two rebounds and a block across six minutes of play in a 110–96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Yuta Watanabe: Limited role in return|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-yuta-watanabe-limited-role-in-return/|access-date=2021-04-16|website=CBSSports.com|date=19 February 2021 |language=en}} On March 4, Watanabe made his first career start against the Detroit Pistons, going scoreless but grabbing four rebounds in 11 minutes of action.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-04|title=Raptors' Yuta Watanabe makes first NBA start in loss against Pistons|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/03/04/basketball/nba/raptors-yuta-watanabe-pistons-loss/|access-date=2021-03-08|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Yuta Watanabe: Coming off bench|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-yuta-watanabe-coming-off-bench/|access-date=2021-03-08|website=CBSSports.com|date=4 March 2021 |language=en|quote=Watanabe got the start Wednesday against the Pistons, but he was ineffective, posting no points and four rebounds in 11 minutes.}}

On April 10, 2021, Watanabe scored a then career-high 14 points coming off the bench on 6-of-7 field goal shooting and 2-of-2 from three, including a buzzer beater 3-pointer that gave the Raptors a season-high lead in a quarter with 47–26 in the first, to go along with five rebounds, an assist and a steal across 23 minutes of action in a 135–115 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Yuta Watanabe: Shows up with 14 points|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-yuta-watanabe-shows-up-with-14-points/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=CBSSports.com|date=11 April 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite news|date=2021-04-11|title=Basketball: Raptors' Yuta Watanabe scores career-high 14 points in NBA|language=en|work=Mainichi Daily News|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210411/p2g/00m/0sp/027000c|access-date=2021-04-12|archive-date=2021-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412072717/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210411/p2g/00m/0sp/027000c|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=Raptors use historic first half to cruise to win over Cavaliers|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/raptors-use-historic-first-half-cruise-win-cavaliers/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Sportsnet.ca|quote=Toronto notched its season high in a quarter in leading 47-26 after the first, capped by Watanabe's 3-pointer at the buzzer.}}{{Cite web|title=Raps take down Cavs 135-115 on the road as Trent Jr. erupts for 44 points and career-highs abound|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/raps-take-down-cavs-135-115-road-trent-jr-erupts-44-points-and-career-highs-abound|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Toronto Raptors|quote=Yuta Watanabe also had a career night, coming off the bench to score a career-high 14 points, including a three to beat the buzzer at the end of the first quarter to give Toronto a 47-26 lead after one.}} On April 16, Watanabe surpassed his career-high in scoring for the second time in a week with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 from three, along with six rebounds, two assists and one block across 26 minutes in a 113–102 win over the Orlando Magic.{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Yuta Watanabe: Scores career-high 21 points|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-yuta-watanabe-scores-career-high-21-points/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=CBSSports.com|date=17 April 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-04-16|title=Career-highs from Paul Watson Jr., Yuta Watanabe lead Toronto Raptors past Orlando Magic - TSN.ca|url=https://www.tsn.ca/career-highs-from-paul-watson-jr-yuta-watanabe-lead-toronto-raptors-past-orlando-magic-1.1624978|access-date=2021-04-17|website=TSN}}{{Cite web|title=Watson, Watanabe lead Raptors past Magic, 113-102|url=https://news.yahoo.com/watson-watanabe-lead-raptors-past-020228552.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=news.yahoo.com|date=17 April 2021 |quote=Watanabe was aggressive with his offense and he set his career high in scoring for the second time this week.}}{{Cite web|date=2021-04-17|title=Yuta Watanabe scores career-high 21 points in Raptors' win|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/04/17/basketball/nba/watanabe-career-high-raptors/|access-date=2021-04-19|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US}} On April 18, Watanabe logged his third consecutive double-digit scoring game with 10 points, shooting 3-for-6 from the field and 1-for-2 from three, in addition to four rebounds and four assists in 29 minutes off the bench in a 112–106 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The double-digit scoring streak was the longest in his three-year NBA career.{{Cite web|title=Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Toronto Raptors Score and Stats - April 18, 2021 Gametracker|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20210418_OKC@TOR/|access-date=2021-04-19|website=CBSSports.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2021-04-19|title=Yuta Watanabe reaches double digits for third straight game; Raptors beat Thunder|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/04/19/basketball/nba/watanabe-double-digits/|access-date=2021-04-19|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US}} On April 19, the Raptors announced they had converted Watanabe's two-way deal to a standard contract.{{cite web|first=Soheil|last=Jamshidi|title=Raptors Sign Watanabe To A Standard NBA Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/raptors-sign-watanabe-standard-nba-contract|date=April 19, 2021|website=NBA.com|access-date=April 19, 2021}} Despite being a two-way player, Watanabe never played in the G League with the Raptors 905.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-20|title=Toronto Raptors: 3 two-way players who could be the next Yuta Watanabe|url=https://raptorsrapture.com/2021/04/20/toronto-raptors-3-two-way-players-next-yuta-watanabe/|access-date=2021-04-21|website=Raptors Rapture|quote=With Toronto using their pair of two-way slots on Watanabe, who didn’t play a minute of G League basketball this year, and rookie Jalen Harris, Masai Ujiri decided to reward Watanabe’s improvement by giving him a proper NBA deal.}}

Due to a left calf sprain, Watanabe missed the first 18 games of the 2021–22 season.{{Cite web|title=Basketball: Raptors' Yuta Watanabe enters NBA's COVID-19 protocol|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/01/1f7519eeef67-basketball-raptors-watanabe-enters-nbas-covid-19-protocol.html|access-date=2022-01-22|website=Kyodo News+|quote=Despite missing the first 18 games of the season due to a calf injury, the 27-year-old Japanese is currently averaging 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in the 14 games he has appeared in.}} He returned on November 24, 2021, posting three points and two blocks in 14 minutes of play against the Memphis Grizzlies.{{Cite web|last=Kern|first=Josh|date=2021-11-25|title=Five Daily Thoughts: Heck of a win in Memphis|url=https://www.raptorshq.com/2021/11/25/22802092/toronto-raptors-five-daily-thoughts-win-vs-memphis-grizzlies|access-date=2022-01-22|website=Raptors HQ|language=en}} On December 14, Watanabe logged his first career double-double with 12 points coming off the bench on 5-of-8 field goal shooting and 2-of-4 from three and a then career-high 11 rebounds, to go along with two assists and a steal across 26 minutes of action in a 124–101 win over the Sacramento Kings.{{Cite web|title=Raptors use 70-point first half to rout Kings 124-101|url=https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2251054|access-date=2021-12-13|website=The Score|language=en}} On December 26, Watanabe posted his second double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds, both career-highs, in a 144–99 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{Cite web|date=2021-12-27|title=Yuta Watanabe's breakout shows he can be Raptors' sixth man|url=https://raptorsrapture.com/2021/12/27/yuta-watanabe-breakout-raptors-sixth-man/|access-date=2021-12-29|website=Raptors Rapture|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers Box Score, December 26, 2021|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/202112260CLE.html|access-date=2021-12-29|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en}}

=Brooklyn Nets (2022–2023)=

On August 28, 2022, Watanabe signed with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency.{{Cite web |title=Brooklyn Nets Sign Yuta Watanabe |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/brooklyn-nets-sign-yuta-watanabe |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=NBA.com}} During November 2022, Watanabe led the NBA in three point shooting percentage at that point in the 2022–23 season.[https://nypost.com/2022/11/21/yuta-watanabe-leading-nba-in-3-point-shooting-amid-nets-emergence/ "Yuta Watanabe leading NBA in 3-point shooting amid Nets emergence"], New York Post Watanabe would have his best career season shooting from beyond the arc at 44.4%.

=Phoenix Suns (2023–2024)=

On July 4, 2023, Watanabe signed with the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|title=SUNS SIGN KEITA BATES-DIOP, DREW EUBANKS, CHIMEZIE METU AND YUTA WATANABE|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-sign-keita-bates-diop-drew-eubanks-chimezie-metu-and-yuta-watanabe|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 4, 2023|date=July 4, 2023}}

=Return to Memphis (2024)=

On February 8, 2024, Watanabe was traded back to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web|title=Grizzlies complete three-team trade with Suns and Nets|url=https://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies-complete-three-team-trade-with-suns-and-nets|website=NBA.com|date=February 8, 2024|access-date=February 8, 2024}}

Following the conclusion of the regular season, Watanabe announced his intent to decline his player option for the following season and return to Japan to play professionally there.{{Cite magazine |last=Rose |first=Aaron |date=2024-04-20 |title=Former Raptors Favorite Announces his Departure from the NBA |url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/toronto-raptors-fan-favorite-yuta-watanabe-to-leave-nba |access-date=2024-04-20 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=April 20, 2024 |title=Basketball: Yuta Watanabe to quit NBA, play in Japan next season |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/4961402f4d8b-update1-basketball-watanabe-to-quit-nba-play-in-japan-next-season.html}}

=Chiba Jets Funabashi (2024–present)=

On July 11, 2024, Watanabe signed with the Chiba Jets Funabashi of the B.League.{{cite web|title=渡邊雄太選手りそなグループB.LEAGUE2024-25シーズン選手契約基本合意（新規）のお知らせ|url=https://chibajets.jp/news/detail/id=22803|website=ChibaJets.jp|date=July 11, 2024|access-date=July 13, 2024|language=Japanese}}

National team career

File:Watanabe yuta.jpg

The Japan men's national basketball team's then head coach Kimikazu Suzuki oversaw Watanabe's play in camps, saying at the time, "He's not good enough to be on this team yet, but eventually he's going to be [Japan's] ace player. We all know his capabilities and we intend to help him develop."{{cite web |title=JPN - The 'Chosen One' is here for Japan |url=http://manila2013.fibaasia.net/TournamentNewsDetails.aspx?id=3529 |access-date=23 January 2015 |publisher=FIBA}} Later, while attending Jinsei Gakuen High School, Watanabe was called up by Suzuki to compete with the national team in 2013. At the age of 18, he made his senior debut for Japan at the 2013 East Asia Basketball Championship, where he helped the team win the bronze medal.{{Cite web |date=17 April 2014 |title=Cimino, Watanabe Sign NLIs to Join GW - Pickin' Splinters |url=https://pickinsplinters.com/2014/04/17/cimino-watanabe-sign-nlis-to-join-gw/ |access-date=2021-05-02 |language=en-US}} Watanabe's tournament highlights included a 22-point and 14-rebound outing in a 101–53 win over Macau.{{Cite web |title=EABC 2013 |url=https://www.asia-basket.com/EABC/basketball_2013.aspx |access-date=2021-05-02 |website=www.asia-basket.com}} At the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, he averaged 5.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in four games played,{{Cite web |title=Yuta Watanabe profile, FIBA Asia Championship for Men 2013 |url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/109247/sid/6583/tid/309/_/2013_FIBA_Asia_Championship_for_Men/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212130949/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/109247/sid/6583/tid/309/_/2013_FIBA_Asia_Championship_for_Men/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 12, 2015 |access-date=2021-05-02 |website=archive.fiba.com}} helping the team finish in ninth place.{{Cite web |title=2013 FIBA Asian Championship for Men Event Standing |url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/event/p/sid/6583/_/2013_FIBA_Asia_Championship_for_Men/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824232359/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/event/p/sid/6583/_/2013_FIBA_Asia_Championship_for_Men/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 24, 2013 |access-date=2021-05-02 |website=archive.fiba.com}} Watanabe was named to the 12-man roster for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists.{{Cite web |title=Yuta Watanabe profile, FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2016 |url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/109247/sid/12521/tid/309/_/2016_FIBA_Olympic_Qualifying_Tournament/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711223845/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/109247/sid/12521/tid/309/_/2016_FIBA_Olympic_Qualifying_Tournament/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |access-date=2021-05-02 |website=FIBA.COM}} At the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Watanabe, who only played in two of 12 games, tallied an average of 17.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.{{Cite web |title=Japan at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers 2019 |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/asian-qualifiers/team/Japan |access-date=2021-05-02 |website=FIBA.basketball |language=en}} Later that year, he was selected to compete at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Watanabe played in all five games, averaging 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He led the Japanese squad in points and efficiency per game.{{Cite web |title=Japan at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/team/Japan |access-date=2021-05-02 |website=FIBA.basketball |language=en}}

Player profile

A spark-off-the-bench player,{{Cite web |date=2021-04-19 |title=Raptors Announce Signing of Japanese Forward Yuta Watanabe |url=https://www.slamonline.com/nba/raptors-announce-signing-of-japanese-forward-yuta-watanabe/ |access-date=2021-04-21 |website=SLAM |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Raptors' sparkplug hopes for a basketball boom in Japan |url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/raptors-sparkplug-hopes-basketball-boom-japan |access-date=2021-04-21 |website=Toronto Raptors |language=en}} Watanabe is known for his defensive ability. As described by sports website theScore, Watanabe "has great hands on the defensive end."{{Cite news |last=Casciaro |first=Joseph |date=4 February 2021 |title=The All-Nobody Team: 5 NBA players quickly becoming somebodies |url=https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2106308 |access-date=2021-04-21 |website=theScore.com}} In 2019, SB Nation sportswriter Brandon Abraham lauded his defense, saying, "The Grizzlies and Hustle were simply better with Yuta on the court." Memphis Grizzlies TV play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica described his "defensive instinct" as "impressive." Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse commented on his defense as well, saying that it "rub off on others." Watanabe earned praises for his basketball IQ, with theScore commenting, "He always seems to be in the right spot on both ends of the court." Pranica stated that Watanabe's IQ is one of his "greatest assets." Memphis Hustle assistant coach Antoine Broxsie was also impressed by his IQ. Watanabe's play has been described as "mistake-free." Nurse said in multiple interviews that Watanabe "doesn’t make mistakes" during games.{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Aaron |title=Yuta Watanabe Is Proud of How Well He's Playing Lately |language=en |website=Sports Illustrated Toronto Raptors News, Analysis and More |url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-yuta-watanabe-getting-a-shot |access-date=2021-04-21}} Pranica also remarked that Watanabe "rarely made the same mistake twice after having been coached on it." His energy and hustle has also become his defining trait in the NBA,{{Cite web |last=Kern |first=Josh |date=2021-02-04 |title=What is Yuta Watanabe's role on this Raptors team? |url=https://www.raptorshq.com/2021/2/4/22262141/toronto-raptors-yuta-watanabe-role-block-nikola-vucevic |access-date=2021-04-21 |website=Raptors HQ |language=en}} impressing Nurse and fans. In addition, Watanabe has been praised for being constantly in motion,{{Cite web |last=Kern |first=Josh |date=2021-04-19 |title=Report: Raptors sign Watanabe to standard NBA deal |url=https://www.raptorshq.com/2021/4/19/22391548/report-toronto-raptors-sign-yuta-watanabe-standard-nba-deal |access-date=2021-04-21 |website=Raptors HQ |language=en}} which helped him to "always be a step ahead of the opposing offence" as noted by Raptors HQ of SB Nation. Sports Illustrated observed that Watanabe "plays like his feet are on fire," and that he is "constantly running around, jumping in and out of attacking lanes, and wreaking havoc on opposing offences." Nurse also stated that his constant motion helps the team's offence. Watanabe has been criticized because of his lack of weight and muscle from his college career even until he turned professional. George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan said that he hoped that he weighed over 200 pounds by the start of his sophomore season. KJ Matsui commented on his frame as well, saying, "If he puts more muscles and get big, he will be unstoppable." Pranica also pointed out that Watanabe "needs to get physically bigger and stronger so that he is not overmatched."

File:Yuta Watanabe Japan.jpg in 2013]]

Watanabe supposedly lacked panache at the time he joined the George Washington basketball program, with teammate Kevin Larsen commenting, "We told him to find a new celebration because the one he had wasn't cutting it. He was, like, jumping in the air making a weird face. So we tried to help him find a new one." Watanabe sometimes mimicks Carmelo Anthony, using the "three to the dome" celebration after making three-pointers.

Personal life

Watanabe was born on October 13, 1994, in Yokohama, Kanagawa, in Japan, and grew up in Miki, Kagawa.{{Cite web |last=Reiland |first=Mikeie |date=2019-09-05 |title=Japanese basketball's 'Chosen One' is playing in the G League |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2019/9/5/20849363/yuta-watanabe-rui-hachimura-japanese-basketball-future |access-date=2021-03-08 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}} Watanabe's family has a rich history in basketball. His mother, Kumi, played for the Chanson V-Magic and the Japan women's national team. His father played for the Kumagai Gumi Bruins at the professional level. Watanabe's sister, Yuki, played with the Aisin AW Wings. During his childhood, Watanabe's favorite NBA team was the Los Angeles Lakers and his favorite athlete was Kobe Bryant.

On May 26, 2022, former Fuji TV announcer Akiko Kuji announced her marriage to him.{{Cite web |title=【速報】久慈暁子アナウンサーとNBA渡邊雄太選手が婚約（FNNプライムオンライン） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/322db8c51d09c65b087bf17e16d692fbcef2b2d8 |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja |archive-date=2022-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530153741/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/322db8c51d09c65b087bf17e16d692fbcef2b2d8 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=久慈暁子がNBA渡辺雄太と婚約恩返しの意味込めて古巣フジ「ポップUP！」でサプライズ発表 - 結婚・熱愛 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202205260000400.html |access-date=2022-05-26 |website=nikkansports.com |language=ja}}

Career statistics

=NBA=

==Regular season==

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2018}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Memphis

| 15 || 0 || 11.6 || .294 || .125 || .700 || 2.1 || .5 || .3 || .1 || 2.6

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2019}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Memphis

| 18 || 0 || 5.8 || .441 || .375 || .375 || 1.1 || .3 || .3 || .1 || 2.0

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Toronto

| 50 || 4 || 14.5 || .439 || .400 || .828 || 3.2 || .8 || .5 || .4 || 4.4

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Toronto

| 38 || 4 || 11.7 || .406 || .342 || .600 || 2.4 || .6 || .3 || .4 || 4.3

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Brooklyn

| 58 || 1 || 16.0 || .491 || .444 || .723 || 2.4 || .8 || .4 || .3 || 5.6

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2023}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Phoenix

| 29 || 0 || 13.2 || .361 || .320 || .667 || 1.6 || .3 || .3 || .2 || 3.6

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2023|nolink=y}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Memphis

| 5 || 0 || 16.4 || .316 || .100 || .000 || 1.8 || 1.0 || .6 || .0 || 2.6

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 213 || 9 || 13.3 || .426 || .370 || .675 || 2.3 || .6 || .4 || .3 || 4.2

==Playoffs==

| style="text-align:left;"|2022

| style="text-align:left;"|Toronto

| 4 || 0 || 2.6 || .333 || .000 || {{sort|-|—}} || .0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 1.0

| style="text-align:left;"|2023

| style="text-align:left;"|Brooklyn

| 1 || 0 || 4.7 || .500 || .500 || .000 || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 3.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 5 || 0 || 3.0 || .375 || .333 || .000 || .2 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 1.4

=College=

| style="text-align:left;"|2014–15

| style="text-align:left;"|George Washington

| 35 || 10 || 22.5 || .384 || .348 || .831 || 3.5 || .6 || .4 || .6 || 7.4

| style="text-align:left;"|2015–16

| style="text-align:left;"|George Washington

| 38 || 37 || 27.7 || .422 || .306 || .707 || 4.0 || 1.4 || .6 || 1.1 || 8.4

| style="text-align:left;"|2016–17

| style="text-align:left;"|George Washington

| 28 || 27 || 35.1 || .444 || .314 || .817 || 4.8 || 2.5 || 1.1 || 1.1 || 12.2

| style="text-align:left;"|2017–18

| style="text-align:left;"|George Washington

| 33 || 33 || 36.6 || .437 || .364 || .807 || 6.1 || 1.6 || .8 || 1.6 || 16.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 134 || 107 || 30.1 || .425 || .337 || .788 || 4.5 || 1.4 || .7 || 1.1 || 10.9

Notes

References

External links

{{basketballstats|nba=1629139|bbr=w/watanyu01}}
[https://gwsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/yuta-watanabe/6153 George Washington Colonials bio]
[https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/player/Yuta-Watanabe Yuta Watanabe] at fiba.basketball
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160624131800/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/p/rpp//q/Yuta%20WATANABE/pid/109247/_//players.html Yuta Watanabe] at archive.fiba.com

Category:1994 births

Category:Living people

Category:2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup players

Category:2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup players

Category:Basketball players at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Category:Basketball players at the 2024 Summer Olympics

Category:Brooklyn Nets players

Category:George Washington Revolutionaries men's basketball players

Category:Japanese expatriate basketball people in the United States

Category:Japanese expatriate basketball people in Canada

Category:Japanese men's basketball players

Category:Memphis Grizzlies players