Yuki Kawamura recently opened up about his journey of learning English and integrating into the Grizzlies organization. He expressed deep appreciation for his teammates, highlighting the significant role Ja Morant has played in his adaptation process. “Ja’s like a big brother to me,” he shared with a smile. “He’s been incredibly supportive, teaching me not only basketball skills but also English. Sometimes, he throws in a bit of slang too,” he added with a laugh. “But that’s all part of the fun, and I absolutely love it.”
Curious about their close bond, Jeremy Lin asked how this relationship with Morant blossomed. Kawamura laughed, admitting he wasn’t entirely sure why they clicked. Reflecting on their early interactions, he mentioned, “During our first training camp practice, I bombarded him with questions—everything from basketball skills to English, to American culture. I just wanted to soak in all the knowledge he had to offer.” He emphasized Morant’s influence, describing him as not only a mentor but the best point guard in the NBA today.