Photo: fiba.basketball

Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura scored 35 points in an international friendly game against New Zealand on Aug. 12 and followed that performance up with a 19-point game on Aug. 14, once again against New Zealand.

Hachimura has dominated for Japan, shooting the ball effectively and scoring inside and out.

Coming off a strong Summer League where he averaged 19.3 points and 7 rebounds, Hachimura continues to show his future potential for the Wizards.

It is very possible that Hachimura takes on a large role this season and winds up starting games for the Wizards.

For the World Cup, Japan is joined in Group E by the Czech Republic, Turkey and the United States.

Japan opens up group play against Turkey on Sept. 1.