RJ Sunahara explained

RJ Sunahara
Position:Guard
Height Ft:6
Height In:8
Weight Lbs:210
Birth Date:23 May 2000
Nationality:American
High School:Bay (Bay Village, Ohio)
College:
Draft Year:2024
Highlights:

Reed "RJ" Sunahara Jr. (born May 23, 2000) is an American college basketball player for the Georgia Bulldogs of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He previously played for the Nova Southeastern Sharks of the Sunshine State Conference.

High school career

Sunahara played for Bay High School in Bay Village, Ohio and was recruited to play for coach Joe Mazzulla at Fairmont State University. He redshirted the 2018–19 season and then decided to transfer after Mazzulla left to join the staff of the NBA's Boston Celtics, ultimately landing at Nova Southeastern (NSU).[1]

College career

Nova Southeastern

At NSU, Sunahara became a key part of teams that complied a two-year record of 67–1. As a redshirt sophomore in 2021–22, Sunahara averaged 19.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. The Sharks carried an undefeated record and number 1 ranking into the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, but were upset by Black Hills State, foiling their championship bid.[2] The following season, Sunahara and the Sharks used the loss to motivate them throughout the year.[3] [1] Sunahara averaged 18.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and led the Sharks to an undefeated championship season, scoring 28 points, grabbing 9 rebounds in the championship game and earning tournament co-Most Outstanding Player honors with his teammate Will Yoakum. At the close of the season, Sunahara earned top individual honors for Division II players, including NABC Division II Player of the Year, first-team All-American and the Bevo Francis Award for the top player in all divisions below Division I.[4] [5]

Georgia

On May 11, 2023, Sunahara announced his decision to transfer to play for the Georgia Bulldogs.[6]

Personal life

Coming from an athletic family, Sunahara is the son of West Virginia head volleyball coach Reed Sunahara.[7] His older brother Rex is a professional football player, while his uncle Chet Moeller played football at Navy and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.[8]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bay grad R.J. Sunahara reflects on Nova Southeastern’s perfect season . Mark. Perez-Krywany. The Morning Journal. March 29, 2023. April 8, 2023.
  2. Web site: Black Hills State continues dream season at Division II Elite Eight, upsetting No. 1 Nova Southeastern. Mitchell Daily Republic. March 22, 2022. April 8, 2023.
  3. News: Player-coach duo has no. 1 NSU reaching for basketball glory. The Miami Herald. March 3, 2023. A19. Newspapers.com. April 8, 2023.
  4. Web site: Bay’s R.J. Sunahara named NABC Player of the Year after NCAA Division II national championship . Matt. Goul. Cleveland.com. March 27, 2023. April 8, 2023.
  5. Web site: RJ Sunahara Recognized as Bevo Francis Award Winner. nsusharks.com. April 3, 2023. April 8, 2023.
  6. Web site: RJ Sunahara, Division II Player of the Year, commits to UGA. SicEmDawgs.com. Kevin. Kelley. May 11, 2023. August 26, 2023.
  7. Web site: Clarksburg’s Crutchfield meets West Liberty in NCAA final . Daniel. Woods. wboy.com. March 24, 2023. April 8, 2023.
  8. Web site: RJ Sunahara Georgia Bulldogs bio. georgiadogs.com . Georgia Bulldogs. October 27, 2023.