Suns sign 5'7 Japanese player

[KoriEllis]

TOKYO : Yuta Tabuse has signed for the Phoenix Suns, boosting his hopes of becoming the first Japanese to play in the US National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season, the NBA's Tokyo branch said.

The 23-year-old guard, who took part in the Denver Nuggets' pre-season training camp last year, will join the Phoenix club for the start of the season on October 10.

After failing to make the Nuggets' 12-man roster, he helped Long Beach Jam win the independent American Basketball Association league last season.

Tabuse played with Brigham Young University Hawaii for three years before joining Toyota Alvark of Japan's Super League in 2002.

He quit the Japanese club last year with his sights set on the big-time American league, taking part in Phoenix's camp in July and playing in summer games.

- AFP

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/AFP/SGE_HBU75_060904115451_00_204x245.jpg

[timvp]

He's not bad. He's quick and is a nice passer. He also knocks down open shots. One-on-one, he has the ability to score or pretty much anyone.

But he'll have to fight to make the league. He's tiny ... I don't think he weighs more than 140.


I hope he makes it though because he'll be fun to watch and will bring a huge market to the NBA.

[ChumpDumper]

Is his hair any less gay this time around?

I also hope he makes it. I guess Vujanic is staying in Europe?

[timvp]

Vujanic's stock is way down and there are rumors he'd rather just stay in Europe.

[2pac]

FYI, he played center for the Japanese National Team. Nice post up moves.

[Eggkiller]

is he shorter than earl boykins?

[xcoriate]

I believe Boykins is 5'5, so no.

[IcemanCometh]

thats a woman

[KoriEllis]

Is his hair any less gay this time around?

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040907/tabuse_34171.jpg