Young Professional Asian Basketball Players to Watch in 2024/25 Juzang, Cui, Edey, Kawamura, HyunJung

 

Johnny Juzang, of Vietnamese/Croele heritage, has been turning heads with his stellar shooting performances in the Utah Jazz’s preseason games, making a strong case for a breakout year. The 6’7″ wing has been lighting it up from beyond the arc, displaying the confident scoring touch that made him a standout during his time at UCLA. With the Jazz in a developmental phase, Juzang’s ability to stretch the floor and provide instant offense could earn him a more prominent role in the team’s rotation. If he continues his hot shooting into the regular season, Juzang could be a key factor in the Jazz’s success, solidifying himself as a rising star in the league.

 

Jacky Cui, an intriguing international prospect from China, recently signed with the Brooklyn Nets and is set to showcase his talents in the preseason. Known for his versatility and basketball IQ, the young forward brings a unique skill set that could complement the Nets’ roster. Although still relatively unknown to NBA fans, Cui has the potential to surprise with his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. His signing signals Brooklyn’s interest in developing fresh talent, and preseason games will offer a glimpse into how Cui’s game translates at the NBA level. If he performs well, he could earn a spot in the Nets’ rotation as they look to build depth for the upcoming season.

Cui from the NBA Summer League,

 

Zach Edey enters the NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies as their starting center, and he has plenty to prove to those who doubt his ability to thrive at the professional level. Standing at 7’4″, the half-Chinese towering big man was dominant in college, but questions remain about how his game will translate against faster, more athletic competition in the NBA. Critics often point to his mobility and defensive versatility as potential weaknesses, but Edey is determined to prove he’s more than just his size. With strong post play, rebounding, and shot-blocking skills, Edey will have an opportunity to silence doubters and show he can be a crucial part of the Grizzlies’ frontcourt, anchoring the team’s defense and providing an interior presence on offense.

Edey’s first preseason game,

 

 

Yuki Kawamura, the newly signed guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, faces an exciting yet challenging opportunity as he aims to secure a spot on the team. Known for his exceptional speed, court vision, and crafty playmaking, Kawamura has made a name for himself playing for Japan in the recent FIBA tournament against big-names like Wembyama.  Now has the chance to prove himself at the NBA level. Standing at 5’8″, his size may be seen as a disadvantage, but his quickness, basketball IQ, and ability to break down defenses could give him a unique edge in the Grizzlies’ system. As a dynamic point guard, Kawamura’s performance in the preseason will be crucial in determining whether he can carve out a role in Memphis’ deep backcourt rotation. If he can show consistency and adaptability, he has a real shot at making the team and adding a new dimension to their playmaking.

Kawamura from his first NBA preseason game,

 

 

HyunJung Lee, the representative of Korean basketball, has become a key contributor for the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian Basketball League (NBL), helping lead the team to a strong start in the 2024 season. After gaining valuable experience in previous leagues, Lee has embraced a bigger role with the Hawks, showcasing his scoring ability, versatility, and sharp shooting from beyond the arc. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor has provided a significant boost to the team’s performance. Lee’s growth and leadership have been instrumental in the Hawks’ early success, positioning him as one of the standout players in the league and a driving force behind their winning record. As the season progresses, his continued impact will be key to the Hawks’ championship aspirations.

Lee from earlier in the season,