Volcanoes MVPs Sign in Japan
Published on July 7, 2014 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Vancouver Volcanoes News Release
Vancouver, WA - The past two MVP's of the IBL are from the Volcanoes, they were only together for one game this season, but will be reunited in Japan this fall .
The 2014 IBL MVP and All Star in all five of his seasons in the league, Volcanoes 6'2" G Andre Murray 's hard work has paid off. Murray has signed with Bambitious Nara of the Basketball Japan League (bj-League) who are targeting 23 full teams and six in their bj-League Challenge League for the 2014-2015 season.
"Andre came into this season with something to prove, he was in the best shape I have ever seen him in, and I think he accomplished his goal of dominating the league which he was rewarded with a nice contract to play in Japan. I couldn't be happier for him and will be following his progress closely," a supportive General Manager, Assistant Coach and Owner, Bryan Hunter shared.
"I'm really proud of the way Andre played this season," Head Coach Joe Navarro added, "he dedicated his off season to get in the best shape of his life, and he did. He's going to have a great season in Nara. He's an impossible match-up in that league, and I know he has been wanting to get to Japan for a while."
Leading the IBL in three categories with 34.5ppg, 8.2apg, and 3.8spg, three Player of the Week nods to go with his MVP and All Star titles as a leader on the Volcanoes, Murray is ready for the competition overseas this fall.
"I am thankful for the opportunity. I have worked very hard for the last couple of years to continue playing at this level and it is great to see results from the work I put in. I expect myself to work harder than ever to get results and to make a name for myself in Japan. I plan to bring a winning mentality first and foremost. Our success will come down to how we perform as a team. However, I see myself serving as a leader for the team to compete each and every night and to raise the bar both offensively and defensively," the reigning MVP shared.
Murray will not be the only Volcano headed for Japan this fall, he is taking his teammate and 2013 MVP 6'6" F Chehales (Chey)Tapscott who only appeared on the court for one game this season as he headed to Australia where he is currently putting up 30.8ppg and 11.3rpg for the Rockhampton Rockets.
"It helps a lot having Chey there. He and I have played well together in the years past and we both have had success in the IBL. We are a strong combination. Hopefully we can translate that to Nara so we can have success there as well," Murray shared, and the feeling is mutual from his teammate currently down under.
"It's great to be able to play with Andre again, he's a guy who can score and play at a very high level. And he's an equally great person off the court so I am really excited for this fall with Nara, not only to play, but to enjoy the culture of the Japanese! It should be fun experiencing such a different culture from what I am accustomed to," Tapscott stated.
Their Head Coach in Nara, Onodera is no stranger as well, he was the bench lead for the Tornadoes developing Japanese players in the IBL in the 2013 season.
"Coach Ryutaro Onodera is getting two dynamic scorers who have already played together," Navarro said reflecting on how the competition could be against Nara when he heads to Japan to be a Head Coach this fall as well. "I think it's very exciting for Nara. Chehales and Andre 'click' and they both really compliment the others game. They're both really underrated defenders because of all the numbers they put up. Having that kind of chemistry is really important. Chey just does whatever Chey wants to do. I don't know how else to put it. After coaching him last year and seeing the numbers he's putting up in Australia this year, I've just come to expect 30 and 15 every night. I'm really proud of both of them. Those two aren't just my players, they're my friends. I can't wait till All-Star weekend when we can all meet up, sort of a Volcano reunion in Japan."
Shy of a title again as a Volcano this season, Murray shared he will leave in late august looking for a title in the bj-League this fall with Nara who was in the ninth spot in the Western conference of the bj-League this past season. "The coach and I will definitely share the same expectations. It's a business and in that you want to be successful. I just want to put Nara in a position to win basketball games. It's a challenge that I'm up for with hopefully achampionship at the end of the season."
International Basketball League Stories from July 7, 2014
- Volcanoes MVPs Sign in Japan - Vancouver Volcanoes
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