YUKI Kawamura is having quite a ride in his basketball career this year - and the journey won't end at the Paris Olympics.
Japan's diminutive guard, who got the world's attention in the Akatsuki Five's controversial overtime loss to France in the Olympics, is set to sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies that will give him a shot at making it to the NBA.
His B.League team, Yokohama B-Corsairs, made the announcement early last month but the news didn't gain traction until the 5-foot-8 guard tallied 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal in the 94-90 loss to host France on Wednesday.
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The former teammate of Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Kai Sotto at the B-Corsairs camp is set to sign the Exhibit 10 contract in September, the B.League team said.
An Exhibit 10 deal is a non-guaranteed contract that runs for one year and pays the league minimum. Such a deal will enable Kawamura to fight for a roster spot with the Grizzlies in training camp or Summer League.
Such a contract also includes a $75,000 bonus if the player, after being waived, stays with the team's G League affiliate for another 60 days.
The Memphis journey should give the 23-year old former B.League MVP a legit shot an following national team teammate Rui Hachimura in the NBA, especially with Grizzlies star Ja Morant still out and Derrick Rose playing limited minutes.
But before that, Kawamura's focus is still on Japan's Olympic campaign in Paris, where the Akatsuki Five will play one more game against Brazil on Friday.
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