International Basketball League's Nippon Tornadoes open their first season on Friday against the Vancouver Volcanoes at the O'Connell Sports Center in Vancouver, Wash. The Tornadoes will play 16 more games in a short summer season, wrapping up play on June 3 against the Oregon Waves.
The Tornadoes, operated by the Japan Basketball Academy, are based at the United States Basketball Academy in Oregon, their home away from home during the next several weeks.
Tornadoes coach Tatsumi Nishida is looking forward to this unique opportunity.