BEAUMONT, Texas – Yuto Yamanouchi has signed a letter of intent to play basketball and continue his education at Lamar University announced head coach Alvin Brooks Wednesday afternoon. Standing 6-10, Yamanouchi brings immediate size to the both ends of the floor.
 
"We're really excited to have this young man," said Brooks. "Not only does he bring size but he has the ability to stretch the floor and shoot the three ball. He's gives us something that we haven't had on the front line an athletic big who can play both inside and out. He's also a really good rebounder.
 
"Yuto is an extremely hard worker and comes from a great family. He played for a strong high school program in California before joining the Japanese national team. We're very excited to have him as part of the program," added Brooks.
 
A member of the Japanese U19 National Team, Yamanouchi has more than just size in his arsenal. An athletic big man who can run the floor, as well as step out and shoot the three, Yamanouchi is a freshman and will be eligible to play this season for the Cardinals.
 
Over the course of the past season, Yamanouchi took a gap year and played for Earth Friends Tokyo Z which is a professional team in the second division of the Japanese B League. He held a status of "special designated player" which allowed him to maintain his amateur status.
 
Yamanouchi graduated from Ribet Academy in Los Angeles, Calif., and was recognized by the Japanese National team as a junior. Despite having his senior year hampered by injuries, he was still able to compete for Japan at the FIBA U19 World Cup.
 
During his time with Ribet Academy, he helped guide the school to one of the best runs in program history. Yamanouchi led the Ribet to back-to-back California state titles in 2019 and 2020.
 
The Cardinals roster will feature three players 6-9, or taller, and two players standing 6-10, in 2022-23.
 
Yamanouchi's presence adds even more excitement surrounding the Cardinals' revamped roster for the 2022-23 season. The Cardinals will showcase nine newcomers, with five of those coming from the high school ranks and includes three junior college All-Americans.