J. R. Sakuragi

J.R. Sakuragi ( _ja. 桜木ジェイアール), born Milton "J.R." Henderson (October 30 1976 in Bakersfield, California, USA), is a naturalized Japanese professional basketball player.

Raised in Bakersfield, Sakuragi played college basketball at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and was a member of their 1995 National Championship team. He was named to the All-Pac-10 First Team during his sophomore and senior seasons, and averaged 14.2 points per game in his four-year career at the school. He was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 2nd round (56th pick) of the 1998 NBA Draft where he played one season.Kaz Nagatsuka, [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/sk20070717a1.html Former UCLA player gets Japanese citizenship, spot on national hoops team] , "The Japan Times", July 17, 2007.]

In 2001, Sakuragi moved to Japan to play for the Aisin Seahorses of the JBL Super League, averaging 21.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in 2006.Kaz Nagatsuka, [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/sk20070717a1.html Former UCLA player gets Japanese citizenship, spot on national hoops team] , "The Japan Times", July 17, 2007.]

Sakuragi application to become a Japanese citizen cleared on July 2, 2007, and he changed his name from J.R. Henderson to J.R. Sakuragi.Kaz Nagatsuka, [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/sk20070717a1.html Former UCLA player gets Japanese citizenship, spot on national hoops team] , "The Japan Times", July 17, 2007.] Jerry Crowe, [http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-crowe24jul24,1,3614788.story Former Bruin a true citizen of the world] , "Los Angeles Times", July 24, 2007.]

Sakuragi will play for the Japan national basketball team as they compete in the FIBA Asia Championship, a qualifier for the 2008 Summer Olympics.Jerry Crowe, [http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-crowe24jul24,1,3614788.story Former Bruin a true citizen of the world] , "Los Angeles Times", July 24, 2007.]

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