Rui Hachimura ushered in an exciting era for Japanese basketball after becoming the first Japanese player to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Hachimura, who played at Gonzaga, was drafted with the 9th pick by the Washington Wizards.

"The fact that Hachimura, a product of the Japanese basketball system, has been selected in the NBA draft makes us very proud," said the Japan Basketball Federation's Yuko Mitsuya.

Hachimura most recently signed a sneaker deal with Jordan Brand. The company cited his branding potential on and off the court. 

Hachimura also lead Japan to quality for this summer's basketball World Cup.