Who is Rui Hachimura? Check Out His Ethnic Background, Family and More
by Mathelene
Updated May 19, 2023
Who is Rui Hachimura?
Rui Hachimura is a Japanese professional basketball player who gained recognition for his skills and talent on the court. He was born on February 8, 1998, in Toyama, Japan. Hachimura stands at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) tall and primarily plays as a forward. Hachimura had a successful college basketball career at Gonzaga University in the United States. He joined the Gonzaga Bulldogs in 2016 and played for three seasons until 2019.
During his time at Gonzaga, he made significant contributions to the team's success and helped lead them to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. In 2019, Hachimura declared for the NBA Draft and was selected as the ninth overall pick by the Washington Wizards. This made him the first Japanese-born player to be selected in the top ten of an NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility on the court.
He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team for the 2019-2020 season. Hachimura has also represented the Japanese national team in international competitions. He played for Japan in the FIBA Asia Cup and the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, helping his country in their pursuit of basketball success on the global stage. Off the court, Hachimura has become a significant figure and role model for Japanese basketball fans.
His success in the NBA has increased the popularity of basketball in Japan and has inspired young players to pursue the sport at a higher level. Rui Hachimura is a talented and promising basketball player who has achieved notable success both in college basketball and the NBA. He continues to make strides in his professional career and represents a positive influence for aspiring Japanese basketball players.
Rui Hachimura Family
Rui Hachimura, a talented basketball player, has an interesting background and family history. His parents are Makiko and Zakari Jabil. Makiko, Rui's mother, is originally from Japan, which is where Rui was born in the city of Toyama in 1998. On the other hand, his father, Zakari Jabil, hails from Benin, a small country located in West Africa. Throughout Rui's journey in basketball, he has received significant support from his parents.
However, despite his popularity and public attention, he has made a conscious decision to keep his parents away from the public eye, preferring to maintain their privacy. The name "Hachimura" comes from Rui's mother's side of the family, and it holds a special meaning. In Japanese, "Hachimura" translates to "base" or "fortress." This name is actually a reference to Rui's grandfather, who was a devoted fan of baseball, another popular sport in Japan.
Rui's father, Zakari Jabil, was born and raised in Benin, a country in West Africa with a population of approximately 13.7 million people. Despite being born far away from Japan, Zakari's connection to Rui's mother brought them together, and they formed a family. In Japan, it is customary for married couples to share the same surname.
Due to this tradition, Rui was given his first and last name from his mother's side of the family. Rui Hachimura's parents have three other children, making Rui one of four siblings. One of his siblings, Allen, also shares Rui's passion for basketball and is involved in the sport. The Hachimura family's support and influence have played a significant role in Rui's basketball journey, shaping him into the accomplished player he is today.
Rui Hachimura Father Alive
Yes, Rui Hachimura’s father is still alive. Rui Hachimura, a professional basketball player hailing from Japan, has Zakari Jabil as his father and Makiko as his mother. Rui's father, who was a semi-professional basketball player himself, instilled a love for the game in his son from an early age. Beginning his basketball journey at a young age, Rui developed a deep passion for the sport.
He has expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his parents, who encouraged his decision to pursue a career in basketball. Their influence has played a crucial role in his accomplishments and growth as a player.
During the NBA season, Rui's parents frequently travel to the United States to witness his games firsthand. They take immense pride in their son's achievements and continue to provide him with unwavering support as he progresses in his basketball career.
Rui Hachimura Ethnic Background
Rui Hachimura, a Japanese basketball player, has a diverse heritage, with a Japanese mother and a father from Benin, West Africa. He was born in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, and later grew up in Sendai. Rui attended Meisei High School, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to their second state title victory in the All-Japan High School Tournament. After high school, Hachimura pursued his college education at Gonzaga University.
He played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs for three seasons, showcasing his skills and talent on the court. In his final college season, Rui had an impressive performance, averaging 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while maintaining excellent shooting percentages of 59.1% overall and 41.7% from beyond the arc. This stellar performance earned him recognition as the WCC (West Coast Conference) Player of the Year in 2019.
Rui's parents, Makiko and Zakari Jabil, represent his mixed heritage. His mother, Makiko, is Japanese, and Rui inherited his surname from her family's register. Meanwhile, his father, Zakari Jabil, hails from Benin, contributing to Rui's diverse background. While Rui has chosen to keep his family life private, his success and accomplishments on the basketball court have garnered significant attention and admiration.
Who Is Rui Hachimura - FAQ
Rui Hachimura was born on February 8, 1998, in Toyama, Japan.
Rui Hachimura attended Gonzaga University in the United States.
Rui Hachimura primarily plays as a forward in basketball.