Mavericks announce signing of 5-foot-7 Japanese PG Yuki Togashi

The Dallas Mavericks announced Wednesday that they have signed Yuki Togashi to a contract.

Togashi, a 5-foot-7 point guard from Japan, is expected to join the Mavericks for the remainder of the preseason before being waived. At that time, he's expected to sign with the Texas Legends of the D-League, the Mavericks' exclusive affiliate, where he'll look to further develop his game.

As explained in the story below, should Togashi ultimately make the NBA, he'd be just the second Japanese-born player in the league's history and the first since Yuta Tabuse had a cup of coffee with the Phoenix Suns in 2004. He would also be the league's shortest player since Earl Boykins retired in 2012.

A 21-year-old from Niigata, Togashi played his high school ball in the U.S., at the same highschool - Montrose Christian in Maryland - where Kevin Durant, Greivis Vasquez, and Terrence Ross played. Since graduating in 2012, he's been playing for the Akita Northern Happinets of the Basketball Japan League. In 2013-14, he led the league in assists with 7.6 a game while also pouring in 16.3 points.

Togashi appeared briefly for the Mavericks during Summer League this year, catching the attention of those in attendance and watching online. He should prove an exciting addition to the D-League season.