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Yuta Watanabe

Yuta Watanabe is a Japanese professional basketball player who plays for the Chiba Jets Funabashi of Japan’s B.League.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Yuta Watanabe is a Japanese professional basketball player who currently plays for the Chiba Jets Funabashi of Japan’s B.League. He is known for his stint in the NBA and for becoming the first Japanese-born student-athlete to earn an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship. Watanabe played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns before returning to Japan in 2024.

Early life and college career

Watanabe was born in Yokohama, Japan, on October 13, 1994. He attended George Washington University, where he became the first Japanese-born student-athlete to secure an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship.

Professional career

Watanabe went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. He subsequently played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns. His time with the Raptors made him a recognizable figure to Canadian basketball fans, alongside players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Move to Japan

In 2024, Watanabe signed with the Chiba Jets Funabashi of the B.League, marking a return to Japanese club basketball after several seasons in North America.

International play

Watanabe has represented Japan in international competition, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympic Games. He has been a regular contributor for the senior national team.

Key facts

  • Born in Yokohama, Japan, on October 13, 1994.
  • Played college basketball for George Washington University.
  • First Japanese-born student-athlete to earn an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship.
  • Entered the NBA as an undrafted player in 2018 and played for four NBA teams.
  • Joined the Chiba Jets Funabashi in 2024.
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Canadian context

He played for the Toronto Raptors, making him a recognizable figure to Canadian basketball fans and a notable Japanese player in NBA history.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Yuta Watanabe?
Yuta Watanabe is a Japanese professional basketball player for the Chiba Jets Funabashi in Japan’s B.League.
Where was Yuta Watanabe born?
He was born in Yokohama, Japan.
What position does Yuta Watanabe play?
He is listed as a small forward and guard-forward.
Did Yuta Watanabe play in the NBA?
Yes. He played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns.
Which college did Yuta Watanabe attend?
He attended George Washington University.
What is Yuta Watanabe known for in college basketball history?
He became the first Japanese-born student-athlete to receive an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuta_Watanabe
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, college, and current B.League team.
  2. Basketball-Reference — https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/watanyu01.html
    Supports: Birthplace, height, position, college, and professional profile.
  3. NBA.com — https://www.nba.com/player/1629139/yuta-watanabe
    Supports: NBA position, height, weight, birthplace country, college, draft status, and experience.
  4. Brooklyn Nets — https://www.nba.com/nets/news/brooklyn-nets-sign-yuta-watanabe
    Supports: NBA career history, undrafted status, college background, and first Japanese-born NCAA Division I scholarship note.
  5. George Washington Athletics — https://gwsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/yuta-watanabe/6153
    Supports: College career and historical note about Japanese-born NCAA Division I scholarship.
  6. FIBA — https://www.fiba.basketball/en/players/205382-yuta-watanabe
    Supports: International competition statistics for Japan.