Hawaii Basketball

After spending two years in the NBDL, former University of Hawaii standout Carl English, moved on to Europe to play for Virtus Bologna of the Italian League in 2005-06 and KK Zadar of the Adriatic League this past season (2006-07).

As a starting guard, English helped Zadar to the 2007 Croatian National Championship leading the team in scoring at 20.3 points per game and contributing 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals per night. He shot 44.2% from the field including 37.4% from 3-point range and was also named the MVP of the 2006 NLB All-Star Game.

KK Zadar finished in 7th in the Adriatic League with a record of 14-12.

Former BYU Hawaii standout, Yuta Tabuse (photo, Star Bulletin) is a reserve for the Bakersfield Jam in the NBA’s Development League, the NBDL. He is currently a backup guard to former Syracuse sharpshooter Gerry McNamara and Michigan State standout Mateen Cleaves. The Jam are coached Jim Harrick, the former UCLA head coach who led the Bruins to an NCAA National Championship in 1995.

After leaving BYUH, Tabuse went home to Japan to play for the Toyota Alvark of the Japan Basketball League and went on to win Rookie of the Year honors for the 2002-2003 season. In 2004, he returned to the United States, playing in the ABA, the NBA summer league and finally landing on the opening day roster for the 2004-05 Phoenix Suns.

Tabuse played in 4 games for the Suns before being waived, but, with that appearance, became the first Japan-born player to ever play in the NBA.

NBA Player Profile: Yuta Tabuse »
Nike Japan Commercial: Yuta Tabuse »
Star Bulletin article, “Jordan of Japan living up to nickname” »