With news that the Japanese Basketball League is shutting down its season, a light is focused on international basketball that American fans don't often see.
Of course, most American fans could care less about what is going on in the basketball world internationally, because the United States features the premier basketball association. High-quality players come here to play against the best competition in the world. But, for American collegiate athletes not in the exclusive upper-echelon of players who make the NBA, the international basketball scene is where they can make their money.
Perhaps the most publicized recent example of an American going international is that of former Atlanta Hawk Josh Childress. In 2008, looking for a starring role and a bigger paycheck, the California native signed a 3-year, $20 million deal with a Greek club, Olympiacos. After averaging 19.7 points per game in four seasons in Greece, Childress has returned stateside and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.
In terms of the Japanese professional leagues, they are still not regarded as top-flight international competition. Created in 2005, the young league (referred to as the bj-League) is gaining respect through international imports.
After starring for the Cincinnati Bearcats in college and playing a short stint in the NBA, guard Kenny Satterfield headed to Japan. The New York native led the Japanese bj-League in assists with 7.5/game.
In addition to stars like Satterfield, the league has a wealth of young American talent, including former University of Minnesota forward Damian Johnson, former University of South Carolina Gamecock Rolando Howell, and a players St. John's fans will remember, former West Virginia forward Wellington Smith.
We will soon see if much of this talent is scared off by the problems caused by natural disasters in the region. But, for the sake of the league, Japan hopes they will stick around.
Former Golden Gopher Johnson now plays in Japan. A highlight from his college days:
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