He’s on Fire! Reportedly Set to Officially Sign—Like Cui Yongxi, He's Staying in the NBA

In the NBA preseason, many eyes have been on the up-and-coming international players hoping to make their mark. Among them, Ramu Yuki and Cui Yongxi are two of the most promising talents who have been fighting for their spot on NBA rosters. Both players have garnered attention, but their journeys so far have taken very different paths. While Cui Yongxi, who secured a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets, saw no playing time in the Nets’ 117-95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Ramu Yuki is flourishing in the preseason with the Memphis Grizzlies, earning praise from teammates, coaches, and even NBA legends.

A Slow Start for Cui Yongxi

Cui Yongxi’s experience in the NBA preseason has been less than ideal. The young Chinese forward, who has been playing under a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets, struggled to find his rhythm in his limited time on the court. Over the two games he has played, Cui has logged a combined 14 minutes, scoring 6 points and grabbing 3 rebounds while shooting just 2-for-7 from the field and 1-for-3 from beyond the arc. Although he showed glimpses of his talent, he has yet to prove himself as a solid rotation player for the Nets.

Cui’s performance — or lack thereof — came to a head during the most recent preseason game against the Sixers, where he didn’t play a single second. Instead, he spent the entire game on the bench, cheering for his teammates and fulfilling the role of towel-waver. With only one preseason game left for the Nets against the Toronto Raptors, Cui’s opportunities to showcase his skills before the regular season begins are dwindling. It’s becoming clear that the Nets are treating these preseason games more like regular-season rehearsals, which doesn’t bode well for players like Cui who are still trying to break into the rotation.

Ramu Yuki Thrives with the Memphis Grizzlies

In stark contrast, Ramu Yuki has been thriving with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Japanese guard, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the team, has been putting on a show during the preseason. Over the last two games, Yuki has seen over 20 minutes of action in each, totaling 12 points and 15 assists. His passing ability has drawn comparisons to the league’s best point guards, and even Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ star player, has been impressed by Yuki’s vision and playmaking skills.

In fact, former Grizzlies legend Tony Allen, known for his defensive prowess, has become a fan of Yuki’s game, giving him the nickname “Japanese Chocolate,” a nod to the flashy passing of former NBA star Jason Williams, who was affectionately called "White Chocolate." It’s high praise for Yuki, who is quickly establishing himself as a player to watch in Memphis.

What’s even more exciting for Yuki’s prospects is the recent roster shakeup in Memphis. The Grizzlies signed Scottie Pippen Jr. to a four-year standard contract, freeing up one of their two-way contract spots. Given Yuki’s strong performance during the preseason, there’s widespread speculation that he’s the leading candidate to fill that vacant two-way slot. Social media platforms like TikTok have already started buzzing with reports that Yuki is set to officially sign with the Grizzlies and stay on their roster for the upcoming NBA season.

A Rising Star in International Basketball

Ramu Yuki’s journey to the NBA has been a long time coming. Over the past two years, he has become one of the brightest stars in international basketball, especially with his performances in FIBA competitions. In the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Yuki averaged 13.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 2 rebounds per game, leading Japan to several impressive victories. His success carried over to the 2024 Olympics, where he put up even more impressive numbers, averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. These high-stakes tournaments have tested his mettle and built his confidence, making his NBA transition smoother than many expected.

Despite his strong international résumé, Yuki’s transition to the NBA wasn’t without challenges. In his first few preseason games, he struggled to adjust offensively, shooting a dismal 0-for-9 from the field (0-for-7 from three) over two games. But in his fourth preseason game against the Indiana Pacers, Yuki finally found his rhythm, hitting 3-of-7 from deep and finishing with 10 points and 7 assists — his best performance yet. That breakout game may have been the key to winning the Grizzlies' trust, putting him on the path to earning a more permanent role.

Even if Yuki doesn’t immediately convert his Exhibit 10 contract to a two-way deal, he’s expected to spend the majority of the upcoming season with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G-League affiliate. There, he’ll continue to develop his game while waiting for his next NBA opportunity. As for Cui Yongxi, although he’s already secured a two-way contract, his journey might follow a similar path, splitting time between the Brooklyn Nets and their G-League team.

Yuki’s Impact on Japanese Basketball and FIBA

While the news of Yuki’s impending NBA signing is exciting for his career, it could also have an impact on his availability for the Japan national team. Next February, Japan is scheduled to face China in the second round of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. In the first game between these two teams, Yuki played a key role in Japan’s narrow 76-73 victory, contributing 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. His clutch three-pointer over Zhao Jiwei in the dying moments of the game helped seal the win for Japan.

If Yuki stays in the United States to focus on his NBA career, he may miss this crucial qualifier, which would be a significant blow to Japan’s chances. Without Yuki, Japan is a very different team, and his absence would give China a much better chance of avenging their earlier loss. For fans of Japanese basketball, it’s a bittersweet situation — while they are excited to see one of their brightest stars succeed in the NBA, they also know how much he means to their national team.

In contrast, Cui Yongxi’s importance to the Chinese national team is not as pronounced. While Cui has the potential to be a great player for China in the future, he has yet to solidify his role in the national team like Yuki has for Japan. As a result, even if Cui misses the February qualifier, China would still have plenty of depth at the forward position to cover for his absence. Yuki, on the other hand, is irreplaceable for Japan.

A Bright Future Ahead

At just 23 years old, Ramu Yuki’s future in basketball looks incredibly bright. Standing at only 5'8" (1.73 meters), Yuki has defied expectations throughout his career, proving that size doesn’t always dictate success on the court. His incredible court vision, basketball IQ, and tenacity make him a giant on the court, even if his stature suggests otherwise. Yuki’s story is one of perseverance and determination, and his success in the NBA could inspire a new generation of players from Asia.

Meanwhile, Cui Yongxi, who stands at 6'7", also has a promising future ahead of him. He has the physical tools to succeed in the NBA, but he’ll need more time and opportunities to refine his game. As both players continue their NBA journeys, basketball fans around the world will be watching closely to see how they develop and contribute to their respective teams.

For now, though, all signs point to Ramu Yuki officially signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, solidifying his place in the NBA for the upcoming season. And just like Cui Yongxi, he’s proving that international players are more than capable of making their mark on the biggest stage in basketball.