Hype week
To this point, the Hawaii basketball team has operated mostly in the dark from the public eye. This week, the Rainbow Warriors get the proverbial flashlight beam in the face.
Between three events — Tuesday’s media day, Thursday’s tipoff banquet, and Saturday’s Green & White scrimmage plus alumni game — everyone should get their preseason fill of the Bows until the just-announced Nov. 3 exhibition against BYU-Hawaii at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Thursday’s tipoff event ($100 per person) at the Stan Sheriff Center begins at about 5:30 with a silent auction. Sounds like the turnout is going to surpass that of the typical postseason banquet.
Here’s the list of former players who are expected to appear at the alumni game Saturday:
Miah Ostrowski
Eric Ambrozich
Jace Tavita
Pii Minns
Rykin Enos
Lance Takaki
Julian Sensley
Artie Wilson
Geremy Robinson
David Hallums
Johnny White
Sai Tummala
Phil Martin
Tes Whitlock
Tim Shepard
Alika Smith
Zane Johnson
John Penebacker
Jerome Freeman
Dwight Holiday
Al Davis
As you can see, four members of the Fab Five are returning. (They appeared at a midseason alumni game two years ago.) Just about everyone else should be playing in the game.
From Tuesday’s media day, here’s some shots of the team:
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Since that’s everybody in official uniform (including the three point guards at very top), this might be a good time to go over some thorough number changes.
Of five UH returnees, four changed numbers.
Jack Purchase went from 4 to 12.
Mike Thomas went from 25 to 1.
Brocke Stepteau went from 21 to 2.
Sheriff Drammeh went from 22 to 23.
Zach Buscher remained at 24.
Five newcomers inherited a number that a departed player relinquished.
Leland Green inherited Isaac Fleming’s 0.
Drew Buggs inherited Niko Filipovich’s 3.
Matt Owies inherited Roderick Bobbitt’s 5.
Ido Flaisher inherited Stefan Jovanovic’s 15.
Noah Allen inherited Aaron Valdes’ 32.
Two newcomers took over a number vacated by a returning Bow.
Gibson Johnson got Stepteau’s old 21.
Darryl Matthews got Purchase’s old 4.
And lastly, three newcomers picked out vacancies.
Larry Lewis Jr. selected 34.
Brian Garrett selected 20.
Zigmars Raimo selected 14.
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Speaking of Thomas, check out Thursday’s print edition for a story on what he’s been up to at practices while he’s dealt with his wrist injury.
Bob Nash one of the best during his time, hope he can join the rest of the fabulous 5 and help everyone reminisce. I believe he would have the loudest ovation especially from those over 50.
It is important as Ganot mentioned to honor those who came here to work or play for the University of Hawaii’s basketball program. He is and should be an icon for the program.