The Gaijin Experience Vol. I

As some of you may know, I've been selected to play for a Japanese basketball team, the 'Rising Suns.' We're currently in training to prepare for our forthcoming trip to Paris, France to play in the biggest (in every sense of the word) streetball tournment on the planet, Quai 54. www.lequai54.com

'Gaijin' pronounced (guy-jin) is Japanese for foreigner (or something like that.) As one of 2 Americans' on an all Japanese squad, this is my attempt to offer a unique perspective of what it's like to wrestle with the language barrier and still find universal ground on the court.

With the tournament just 16 days away, I'm a do my best to give you a sense of the build up and preparation that the team, and management is putting forth to not only make this dream come true, but also give us the best opportunity to shine when our moment comes in Paris! Buckle in my friends...cause the ride has just begin....