Great Story About Pilots, Ito

by Stonehouse Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:36 pm

Sorry guys... don't know how I missed this one:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/sportsupdates/2007/11/raivio_takes_the_helm_as_portl.html

Jim Beseda of the Oregonian wrote the recap for the Idaho State game and it included a lot of quotes from players and Rev about Taishi and how the team rallied to win the game for him. Also some good info about Raivio... I love his openness to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed.

"That was for Taishi," said senior forward Sherrard Watson, who led all scorers with 18 points. "He's a big part of our team as a leader, and I think all of us tried to go out and that win for him."

Ito's father had been battling a brain tumor for more than a year.

"We knew it was coming," Pilots coach Eric Reveno said. "He got the phone call during Thanksgiving dinner. Knowing Taishi well, he doesn't even say anything during dinner, but ... it was tough.

"I tried not to talk too much about it before the game, because what we're doing here almost seems trivial compared to what Taishi's going through."

Jeesh... how tough to get the call during dinner.

Again, prayers to Taishi and his family!

by **PilotNut** Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:31 am

I am by no means encouraging Taishi to come back to the team any sooner than he feels appropriate, but has anyone heard or seen any updates? Is he back on campus?

by Stonehouse Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:38 am

I'm pretty sure he's back now and will play against Montana. Not 100%, but pretty sure. It's dead week this week and finals next week, and I really doubt he would be able to miss all of that.

by mensbballfan Thu Dec 06, 2007 6:53 pm

Tai came back to campus the beginning of this week and is travelling with the team to Montana--looks like our point gaurd is back!!

by Stonehouse Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:11 pm

Great news! Thanks for the update, mensbballfan!

Having Taishi back is a huge lift for the team. Jared did a nice job filling in, but I think at this point he's a lot more effective as a gunner off the bench rather than having to run the offense.

However, I thought Nik did pretty well at the point and it's nice to know that we have someone who can handle the point if Taishi is in foul trouble or hurt or anything like that.

Still - Taishi was voted a captain for a reason, and I'm sure everyone is glad to have him back.

by **PilotNut** Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:25 pm

WELCOME BACK TAISHI! santa

Great Story About Pilots, Ito

Great Story About Pilots, Ito

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