Former Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura returned to campus over the weekend to make a surprise appearance on senior night at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
The Bulldogs first played a special message from Hachimura on the jumbotron but once the video faded out, the Washington Wizards rookie emerged from the tunnel to greet the seniors, earning a standing ovation from the crowd on hand.
With the Wizards on a west coast road trip, and the team off on Saturday, Hachimura flew from Salt Lake City after playing the Utah Jazz to Spokane to attend the event. He then re-joined the Wizards on Sunday to play the Golden State Warriors.
With Hachimura in attendance, No. 3 Gonzaga defeated Saint Mary’s on Saturday to claim the WCC regular-season championship.
Senior night message from Rui Hachimura just turned into…
RUI HACHIMURA SHOWING UP IN THE KENNEL #GoZags @rui_8mura pic.twitter.com/yajogyHaxH
— Alyssa Charlston (@Alyssacharlston) March 1, 2020
Of course, Hachimura played three seasons at Gonzaga, earning West Coast Conference Player of the Year honors last season after averaging 19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
After becoming the ninth overall pick last June, Hachimura has had a promising rookie campaign to this point. In 36 games played, Hachimura is averaging 13.9 points, six rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He ranks second in rebounds per game, trailing only Zion Williamson.
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