RADFORD, Va. – After starring for Japan's U19 squad at the 2021 FIBA World Cup, Ibu Yamazaki has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Radford men's basketball program, head coach Darris Nichols announced Tuesday morning.

"Ibu is a talented wing shooter that has a ton of FIBA experience," said Nichols. "He is a winner that comes from the same program that produced Rui Hachimura. We are excited to have him join our program and the Radford University community."

Standing at 6'7", the 18-year old wing hails from Matsudo, Chiba, Japan and attended Meisei High School, the very same school that produced Gonzaga standout and current Washington Wizard Rui Hachimura.

A sharpshooter from beyond the arc, Yamazaki represented his home nation in seven games during the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup last summer and averaged 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. He dropped 32 points on South Korea, scored 23 points versus Serbia, and went for double-digits against Canada and Senegal as well.

SB Nation noted Yamazaki as a standout in the tournament, mentioning him in the same breath as top NBA draft prospects Jaden Ivey (Purdue/USA), Dyson Daniels (G League Ignite/Australia), and Nikola Jovic (Mega Mozzart/Serbia). In the article, they say of Yamazaki that, "No matter the venue or location, his jumper is silky smooth as it's clear that time has been put in towards every step of the process."

Yamazaki joins fellow Highlander newcomers Kenyon Giles, Kyle Burns, DaQuan Smith, Justin Archer, D'Auntray Pierce, and Madiaw Niang on the 2022-23 roster. 

For more information on the Radford men's basketball team, visit RadfordAthletics.com and follow @RadfordHoops on Twitter, 'radfordhoops' Instagram or Radford Men's Basketball on Facebook.