NBDL: Yuta Tabuse - Bakersfield Jam
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” »
Posted in: BYU Hawaii, NBA, NBDL