TOKYO, 3 November 2004 — Yuta Tabuse has become the first Japanese player to make a team roster in the NBA after signing for the Phoenix Suns.
Tabuse, who models himself on Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, was told by Suns coach Mike D’Antoni on Monday that he had made the cut as Phoenix’s third point guard.
“To be honest, it still hasn’t sunk in,” Tabuse was quoted as saying in Tuesday’s Nikkan Sports daily.
“I only half believe it right now. It’s always been a dream to play in the NBA.”
The 1.73-meter (5-foot-9) Tabuse will be one of 12 players suiting up for the Suns in their season opener at home to the Atlanta Hawks today.
“Everyone is big and fast in the NBA,” Tabuse said. “But I think the most important thing is your heart. It’s a challenge I look forward to.”
The 24-year-old is unlikely to see many minutes playing behind All-Star Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa at point guard but that did not dampen Tabuse’s delight.
“Being the first Japanese player in the NBA is amazing,” he said. “But I don’t want to settle for that. The hard work starts now.”
Tabuse, known for his speed and flashy no-look passes, took part in Denver Nuggets’ preseason training camp last year but was cut before the start of the regular season.
He played instead for the Long Beach Jam of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
D’Antoni insisted the decision to sign Tabuse was not made for the purpose of breaking into the lucrative Japanese market.
“As a coach it doesn’t help me win (and) we’re trying to win basketball games,” said D’Antoni. “The guy’s working his rear off and he deserves it.” Yokohama-born Tabuse was the top high school player of his generation. He played for Brigham Young University Hawaii from 2000 to 2002.
Randolph Receives Contract Extension From Blazers
In Portland, Ore., the Portland Trail Blazers announced at a Monday afternoon news conference the signing of forward Zach Randolph to a multiyear contract extension.
As per club policy, terms were not disclosed, but the deal will keep him with Portland through at least the 2010-11 season.
“I’m very excited to be a Portland Trail Blazer for at least the next seven seasons,” said Randolph. “I love the fans and the Portland community, and am looking forward to helping lead the Trail Blazers back to the NBA playoffs.” Randolph started 80 of the 81 games he appeared in last season for Portland and was the Trail Blazers’ leading scorer and rebounder. He averaged 20.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest, more than doubling his output from the 2002-03 campaign. “This extension represents a major commitment to a young, up-and-coming star within the NBA,” said general manager John Nash.
