Praise for diminutive Tabuse as he becomes first Japanese NBA player

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2004

TOKYO (AFP) — At 173 centimeters (5 feet 9), Yuta Tabuse is hardly a standout in a Tokyo crowd but the 24-year-old has won praise for becoming the first Japanese to be selected for the NBA.

After being named by the Phoenix Suns in their 12-member roster for the new season, Tabuse was lauded by a giant of a Japanese who came close to an NBA career more than two decades ago.

Tabuse will be Asia's first point guard in the NBA and the second shortest player in the competition after Denver Nuggets point guard Earl Boykins, 165cm (5ft5).

"It is something extraordinary because the taller you stand the more advantage you get in this sport," former national team center Yasutaka Okayama, who stands 230cm (7ft8), told the Nikkan Sports daily.

Okayama, now 50...