Very Sad News about Ito

Hey everyone... I just heard that Taishi's father passed away yesterday. He had been battling problems from a brain tumor for over a year now.

Let's all send out prayers out to Taishi and his family. He is headed for Japan now and will miss the games this weekend... not sure when he's going to be back.

Prayers and condolences to the Itos.

Its such a hard thing for anyone to go through, but I feel especially bad for Tai. He never shows when he is upset and is eternally upbeat and smiling, always cracking a joke or two. I know I am not alone when I say our thoughts and prayers are with Tai and his family.

Well said, mensbball fan. Here is the official release cut-and-pasted:

PORTLAND, Ore. --- University of Portland sophomore point guard Taishi Ito will not be with the team for its two games this weekend in Corvallis as he returned to his home in Japan on Friday. Ito’s father passed away on Thanksgiving Day after a long battle with a brain tumor. There is no timetable set for his return to the team.

The Pilots play a neutral site game against Idaho State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Gill Coliseum and then face the Oregon State Beavers on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Ito missed nine games as a freshman last year when he returned to Japan to be with his father on two occasions, and also missed a few days of practice prior to the start of this year’s regular season for the same purpose.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Taishi and his family,” Portland head coach Eric Reveno said. “We’re here to support him and help him get through these hard times to the best of our ability.”

Ito was an All-West Coast Conference Freshman Team pick last season after leading all WCC freshmen in assists (3., free throw percentage (.775), 3-point percentage (.364), 3-pointers made (1.4), assist/turnover ratio (1.5) and minutes per game (35.6) during league play. He started 17 games as a freshman and started Portland’s first four games this season. He was averaging 6.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, including a season-high 13 points against No. 11 Oregon last Saturday.

Following the weekend, the Pilots will return to the Chiles Center to host Portland State on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.

Tough loss for Taishi,losing a parent when he is so young. He will be missed during his absence. Like was mentioned before, I hope to see his great attitude and leadership back soon. There's nothing like the pressure he puts on the other team with his quick upcourt dribbling, as he set's the pilots offense.

GO PILOTS!

Best wishes to Taishi and his family... take your time, but we look forward to your return to the Bluff.