Schools

A Former NBA Star & Elk Grove High Alum is Coaching in Japan

Bill Cartwright coaches the Osaka Evessa in Japan.

An Elk Grove High School alum who was drafted to the NBA two spots behind Magic Johnson is passing along his basketball knowledge thousands of miles away. 

"Bill Cartwright is now coaching in Japan!" wrote the Elk Grove Unified School District on their Facebook page Monday. 

Cartwright, who now coaches the Osaka Evessa, made the NBA All Star team in his rookie season for the New York Knicks when he was drafted in 1979, and he went on to win three championships with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in 1991, '92 and '93. 

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The Elk Grove High grad was profiled by the Japan Times this week. Below you'll find one of the questions they asked him. Check out the full interview on the Japan Times. He answers questions about music, coaching opportunities and Michael Jordan. 

Upon arriving here a few days ago, what was the first Japanese meal you ate? And how was it?

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I don’t remember the meal, but since then I have had some noodles. Fortunately and unfortunately for my body, I love all food, including Japanese food. I love sushi. I love everything, so it’s all good.

For one thing, I’ve always liked to expose myself to different things. That’s why I’m here. When this opportunity came up, I saw it as a great opportunity to have an adventure to be able to come out here and expose myself to different things, so the culture part of it, yeah, I’ll try anything (including food) once to check it out.


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