Jeremy Tyler is averaging 8.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in 19 games (28.8 minutes per game) this season with the Tokyo Apache of Japan's professional league.

Tyler is being coached by Bob Hill, who had multiple stints in the NBA.

"Everyday is a challenge for me," Tyler said. "I'm trying to transition myself from a high school kid to a professional."

Tyler left San Diego High School after his junior year and signed a one-year, US$140,000 contract with Israeli team Maccabi Haifa in August 2009.

"Any 19-year-old that you take overseas is going to be a bit of a project," Hill said. "But we knew that. He's had his moments. He had 27 points in one game. He's a very good rebounder, he rebounds the ball instinctively, he goes and gets the ball."

"I'm gonna enter the NBA draft in June so hopefully coach Hill and my support team can get me ready for that," Tyler said. "My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA but I have a long way to go, a lot of little things to work out to become a good professional, a good man and a good teammate."