Sonics Continue Conquest of Asia; Eye Irkustk Next

Word in yesterday that former Sonics Coach Bob Hill has signed a deal to coach the Tokyo Apache for the 2010-11 season.

Hill's decision comes on the heels of Lenny Wilkens decision to serve as a consultant to the South Korean national team, which followed Bob Weiss' foray into China with the Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, which followed Alton Lister's work with San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Basketball Association.

That's four nations that former Sonics have conquered (or Sonic coaches, anyway). And, with Clemon Johnson ensconsed at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, I think we can reasonably chalk up Russia as well. Because, you know, Clem can see it from his front porch.

Wilkens Honored

Former Sonics coach, player, and general franchise icon Lenny Wilkens will be inducted into the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 2 at a ceremony in Bellevue.

In addition to Wilkens, such renowed Seattle names as Zaid Abdul-Aziz, Otis Sistrunk, Lorenzo Romar, and James Donaldson will be honored at the event, held at The Outback Steakhouse. Ticket information for the event can be found here. According to the foundation's website, the AAESHOF is dedicated to the development of opportunities for young, less fortunate youth to gain exposure to positive aspects of life, and to broaden the public's understanding of African American/Ethnic history and the role of diversity and cultural tolerance in the growth of professional sports.