Former Gonzaga product Rui Hachimura decides to pass on 2023 FIBA World Cup

To some surprise, former Gonzaga men's basketball standout Rui Hachimura, a native of Japan, will not be representing his home country at the 2023 FIBA World Cup that tips off Friday.

In a news release from the Japan Basketball Association, Hachimura said it was a tough decision to not play in his second World Cup, but is instead focused on preparing for the upcoming NBA season.

“I have made the decision to withdraw from this year’s FIBA World Cup,” Hachimura said. “It was a very difficult decision, but after the last season stretching into the playoffs, I decided to prioritize my future in the NBA and prepare for my first free agency. In addition, I will focus on working this summer to prepare for the next season.”

Just days later, the four-year NBA pro inked a three-year, $51 million deal to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hachimura has been a catalyst for the Japanese national team, ranked 36th in the FIBA World Cup power rankings. He averaged 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and two assists in three appearances at the 2020 Tokyo Games, though Japan finished 11th despite the effort from its star player. At the 2019 FIBA World Cup, he played in just three games and averaged 13.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Hachimura burst onto the basketball scene in 2014 at the U17 FIBA World Championships in Dubai, where he averaged a tournament-best 22.1 points per game.

The Japan national team, placed in Group E, starts group play at the 2023 FIBA World Cup against Germany on Friday.