Yudai Baba


Yudai Baba is a Japanese professional basketball player for Melbourne United of the Australian National Basketball League. He represented the Japanese national team at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Zouk Mikael, Lebanon, where he was Japan's best free throw shooter.

High School career

Baba played at Toyama Daiichi High School where his father, Toshiharu Baba was still head coach by that time.

College career

Baba played for the university men's basketball team of the University of Tsukuba and helped the team in winning the 67th and the 68th All Japan Intercollegiate Basketball Championship. Baba also won best player award along with Shusuke Ikuhara.

Professional career

Alvark Tokyo (2017–2019)

On June 30, 2017, Baba was reported to join the Alvark Tokyo of the B.League. Baba helped Alvark Tokyo win their second straight B. League title in 2018-19 after averaging 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 64 games. Baba obtained B. League Final MVP honor after producing 12 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals in the final against the Chiba Jets Funabashi.

Texas Legends (2019–2020)

On September 19, 2019, Baba signed with the Dallas Mavericks. On October, 12, 2019, Baba was waived by the Dallas Mavericks. On October 26, 2019, Baba was included in the training camp roster of the Texas Legends. Baba was later included in the opening night roster of the Texas Legends. When the 2019-2020 G League season was suspended, Baba averaged 6.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in 19.6 minutes per game.

Melbourne United (2020–present)

On July 19, 2020, Baba signed with Melbourne United of the Australian National Basketball League.

Personal life

Baba's father, Toshiharu Baba, also played basketball during the 1970s and the 1980s. Baba attended in School of Health and Physical Education during his time in University of Tsukuba.