Slam Welcome Japan Tornadoes to the Court on Friday
May 9, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Bellingham Slam News Release
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - After two weeks away from home, the Bellingham Slam will be back in the friendly confines of Whatcom Pavilion on Friday as they welcome the Japan Tornadoes to town for an International Basketball League match-up.Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Pavilion.
The presence of the Tornadoes on the Slam's schedule is a unique aspect of the team's participation in the IBL. The Tornadoes have a roster which features some of Japan's rising basketball talent combined with a number of American players as they tour the Northwest as a member of the IBL this spring. This format and combination of talent give the Japanese players a taste of how the game is played in North America and contributes to the team's goal of further developing the game of basketball in Japan.
The transition from basketball in Japan to North America can be jarring, however. Last season the Tornadoes posted a 1-12 record in the IBL and lost to the Slam 155-101 in the only meeting between the two teams. However, on paper this season's squad promises to be more competitive as they have selected players with experience competing in the Basketball Japan League, one of the country's three professional leagues.
Regardless of any upgrade in talent, the Tornadoes will have a tough challenge against a Slam team that is red-hot through its first five games of the season. The Slam is coming off a sweep of their Oregon rivals with road wins over Portland and Salem, and has won four of its first five overall.In particular, the team's offense is producing at a record clip, averaging 125 points per game, thanks in part to 166 points scored in their last home game against the Kitsap Admirals on April 26.
The most tenured player on the Slam roster, guard Jacob Stevenson, continues his strong play with a scoring average of 24.2 points per game. Center Blake Poole isn't far behind with a 20.7 points per game average through his first three games since returning from Germany.Poole is also averaging a league-leading 13 rebounds per game.Rookie guard Rico Wilkins appears to have turned the corner from his early season struggles after 27 points in the team's win over Salem last Saturday.
Friday's game against Japan will kick off a three-game homestand for the Slam.On Friday, May 17 the Slam will head to Lynden for a re-match with the Tornadoes at Lynden High School, before returning to Whatcom Pavilion on Sunday, May 19 to face the Lone Star Strikers.
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