Japanese Jordan taking shot at Suns

[King of Tokyo]

Japanese Jordan taking shot at Suns

One of the Suns' most popular players could stroll Central Avenue without a second look.

He lives in a hotel, yet his jersey could be a best seller.

Yuta Tabuse may be nearly anonymous here but he is the basketball equivalent of baseball's Ichiro Suzuki in Japan. His quest to be Japan's first NBA player begins on his 24th birthday, when Suns camp starts Tuesday in Flagstaff.

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NBA Profile
"If Japanese kids wear my jerseys, that would be awesome"
One on One with Yuta Tabuse

Oh - My - God. I am so excited. I really hope he makes it in to the NBA. I am going to buy his jersey and this is so cool. He might be the first Japanese-born player to ever play in the NBA. As soon as I heard about this I looked it up and found out as much as possible about him. Yup, this is cool, he is in the Phoenix Suns training camp right now (Which I might prefer him to be on another team, because I don't like the Phoenix jersey and I am going to buy his jersey) and just may get to play in the NBA. Totally sweet. Heh.

 

[blade_bltz]

He went 0-5 last night >_<

 

[MeAndroo]

I watched Tabuse play in the ABA last year...not impressive. He's undersized, not as quick as the other small 1's, and doesn't have a great shot. He's definitely a pass-first one, and if he could develop a decent shot to keep people honest, he might have a chance. I think he got cut by Denver last year around this time. A couple of my Japanese friends made me chase him down so they could meet him. A nice guy, but I dunno if he'll make it in the NBA anytime soon.

 

[King of Tokyo]

Well I'll agree with the size disadvantage. But he is quite quick and that should help. Although I will agree his shooting is still his biggest weakness. Ah well, he still has a chance. I think it'd be cool if he made it.. Heh. The NBA is long overdue for a Japanese player.

 

[cicatriz esp]

That is a sweet, sweet mullet :O

 

[King of Tokyo]

Tabuse scores seven in first game in NBA

PHOENIX (Kyodo) Yuta Tabuse got 10 minutes of playing time in his NBA debut Wednesday, scoring seven points and dealing out an assist in the Phoenix Suns' season opener against the Atlanta Hawks.

Tabuse, who on Monday became the first Japanese player to make an NBA roster, came off the bench in the fourth quarter and hit a three-pointer for his first successful field goal as the Suns went on to win 112-82 at America West Arena.

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Who called it?!?! Hahaha this rules so much.. I am totally getting his jersey if I see it.. Hooray! Heh.

 

[MeAndroo]

Yup, I'll eat my words and admit I didn't think he'd make it. I was impressed that he scored 7 in 10 minutes considering his size and the lack of shots he took in the games I saw him play before. I guess he's adapting his game...

Can't wait till they play the Nuggets...maybe we'll see Tabuse post up on Boykins.

 

[Flashjeff]

Size disadvantage my ebon posterior! Spud Webb was all of 5-4, and he won the freakin' slam dunk contest once! Earl Boykins is what, 5-7, and Allen Iverson is generously listed at 5-11, and he's done pretty well for himself! If you have talent and know what to do with same, you can make it in the NBA.

As for Tabuse, I read that nearly a dozen Japanese reporters were in Philly when the Sixers hosted the Suns Friday night. He was DNP (Did Not Play), and that disappointed me as I was really interested in seeing him play. Hopefully, he'll stick around and be a solid contributor to the Suns this season.

 

[MeAndroo]

Spud was 5'7", Boykins is 5'5" and you're missing the littlest man ever, Muggsy Bougues at 5'3". However, Spud Webb was freakishly gifted athletically (3ft plus vertical), Boykins is really strong for his size (benches 330), and Muggsy...well, he was never an awesome player. Being that small is a disadvantage, bar none. If he were 6 ft and had the same skills, he'd probably have made the L last year. And if there's any area it looks like the Suns DON'T need help, it's the 1 spot, with Nash and Barbosa.

 

[Flashjeff]

Spud was 5'7", Boykins is 5'5" and you're missing the littlest man ever, Muggsy Bougues at 5'3". However, Spud Webb was freakishly gifted athletically (3ft plus vertical), Boykins is really strong for his size (benches 330), and Muggsy...well, he was never an awesome player. Being that small is a disadvantage, bar none. If he were 6 ft and had the same skills, he'd probably have made the L last year. And if there's any area it looks like the Suns DON'T need help, it's the 1 spot, with Nash and Barbosa.

Oops! My bad! I always get those runts mixed up!

As for Tabuse, yeah, he doesn't figure to get much in the way of playing time since Nash rarely gets injured and has more juice than the Energizer Bunny. He could make the difference for Phoenix which has size, speed and athleticism. With a good point guard like Nash at the helm, the Suns could make lots of noise out west.