November 04, 2004

Yuta Tabuse makes history as the first Japanese NBA player: Scoring 7 points in 10 minutes of mop-up duty, just a few days after learning he made the cut, Tabuse is already gaining Ichiro-like status in Japan. There have been other Asian players in the NBA, but Tabuse is the first of typical height: 5' 9".

posted by dusted to basketball at 11:37 AM - 6 comments

Good on him. I caught a bit of the Suns preseason game last Friday when Tabuse logged a few minutes. He's a fun little rascal to watch, and playing under Steve Nash - who has a very similar style of play - will be great for him. That said, not sure I buy "But D'Antoni said the decision was not a public relations move or a conscious effort to spread the internationalized NBA to yet another country." just yet. They already had his jerseys for sale during the preseason, before we 'knew' he had made the reg. season squad.

posted by Ufez Jones at 12:11 PM on November 04, 2004

Just imagine if you crossed Earl Boykins with a sushi chef, pumped caffeine into him and threw a uniform on him. -Bill Simmons

posted by dusted at 12:49 PM on November 04, 2004

It's time for an international, FIFA style basketball league.

posted by insomnyuk at 01:35 PM on November 04, 2004

Hmm, with the exception of the Lakers, Bill Simmons predictions are pretty close to mine. But, you know, funny and shit. btw, dusted, I'm reading through your motorcycle trip. That's some fascinating stuff (great pics too!).

posted by Ufez Jones at 01:46 PM on November 04, 2004

Thanks, Ufez! I ended up posting photos and stories along the way, which was suggested by NoMich in this contentious thread. I never mentioned it here because it seemed too off-topic.

posted by dusted at 02:04 PM on November 04, 2004

To follow up, Tabuse went to the injured list to make room for Bo Outlaw. Oh well, at least he got to play for a few games!

posted by dusted at 10:18 PM on November 09, 2004

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