Amaya, 26, joined the Slam early in the 2008 season, replacing injured forward Erroll Knight on the roster. Amaya’s impact with the Slam was felt immediately, as he scored 24 points in his first game and the team went on to win 14 of their next 16 games with him in the lineup. Bellingham captured the IBL championship in July, and Amaya was named co-MVP of the title game with 20 points and 13 rebounds. He finished the season with averages of 21.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

In China, Amaya appeared in 23 games for the Southern Tigers, averaging 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game despite seeing limited playing time many nights.

Amaya, 26, played two seasons at WWU, averaging 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Amaya helped lead the Vikings to NCAA Division-II West Region Tournament appearances both seasons, reaching the Regional Final his senior season. Prior to joining the Vikings, Amaya played his freshman season at Gonzaga and his sophomore season at Dixie State.

Amaya was a standout at Mount Vernon High School, leading the Bulldogs to the 3A State Championship in 2001, scoring 19 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the title game against Rainier Beach, earning Tournament MVP honors. During his three seasons at Mount Vernon, Amaya helped the Bulldogs post a 77-4 overall record.

Amaya is expected to be in the lineup when the Slam open the 2009 IBL season at home on April 3 against the Seattle Mountaineers. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.