UPDATED: Spirited effort not quite enough for Warriors
The Hawai’i basketball team opened up some spirit and effort on Christmas morning, but it could not find the gift of victory.
Mississippi closed the game with an 18-3 run in the final 3 minutes, 40 seconds, en route to an 81-66 victory over the Warriors in the consolation title game of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.
Hawai’i finished in sixth place in the three-day tournament at 1-2, and dropped to 6-5 overall. Ole Miss captured fifth place and improved to 10-2 overall.
The game was closer – and more exciting – than the final score indicated. The Warriors rallied from a 16-point deficit in the first half, and the game featured 11 ties and 13 lead changes.
“We got down early and could have folded,” Hawai’i head coach Gib Arnold said. “Saw some toughness and we came back to where we were even going up one at halftime. I loved it. Loved that. Loved how we battled.
“Obviously I’m not pleased with the outcome. I thought the last three-and-a-half minutes, we made some mistakes. We turned the ball over which led to some easy baskets and we hadn’t given up easy baskets all game … it’s not the outcome that we wanted but there were too many good things to just drop our heads and get down. We played well.”
Senior center Vander Joaquim had one of the best games of his Hawai’i career with 29 points and 15 rebounds. He shot 11 of 21 from the field and 7 of 9 from the free throw line.
“My teammates did a good job finding me,” Joaquim said. “They made some good passes and I just finished plays. I don’t think I played well because I missed a lot of easy shots, We should have finished those last few minutes of the game.”
Isaac Fotu added 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting; Christian Standhardinger finished with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors struggled early in the game against Mississippi’s full-court pressure defense, and fell behind 27-11. However, the Warriors closed the half with a 19-2 surge that had the early-afternoon crowd in the Stan Sheriff Center on its feet.
Hawai’i started the game with three “bigs” in 6-10 Joaquim, 6-8 Standhardinger and 6-8 Fotu alongside freshman guards Manroop Clair and Brandon Jawato.
Senior point guard Jace Tavita and junior guard Brandon Spearman came in to spark the first half rally. Arnold played two point guards – primarily Clair and Tavita – together for most of the game to combat Mississippi’s pressure defense.
“It was good to have Roop out there so we had two ball handlers breaking that,” Tavita said. “I think they got up on us because we were like a deer in headlights with their press. But once we kind of figured it out, we were able to attack it and get some easy buckets off of it.”
Tavita finished with a team-high eight assists and also grabbed four rebounds. Spearman contributed eight points and four rebounds.
Clair, making his second consecutive start after playing a limited reserve role earlier in the season, finished with six points and five rebounds in 36 minutes. He also played a key role on defense, chasing Mississippi shooting guard Marshall Henderson for most of the game.
Henderson hit four 3-pointers in the first 12 minutes of the game, prompting the Warriors to switch to a “box-and-one” defense, with Clair chasing Henderson and the other four Hawai’i players in a zone. Henderson’s only points in the game’s final 28 minutes came on four free throws in the closing seconds, when the outcome was decided. Arnold said the team did not practice that defense prior to the game.
“I think he can help us in the Big West and we needed to get him ready quickly,” Arnold said of Clair.
The Warriors took a 30-29 lead at halftime, and the second half went back and forth for the next 16 minutes. It was tied at 63 with less than four minutes remaining when Mississippi’s final rally started. The Rebels went on a 10-0 surge to take a 73-63 lead with 1:25 remaining, and the Warriors never got closer than eight after that.
Of Mississippi’s five baskets during that crucial surge, three were layups and two were dunks.
“We gotta finish,” Arnold said. “That was the negative, obviously. We didn’t finish down the end. We didn’t execute, didn’t hit shots and turned the ball over. But up until then, I thought we played a really good game.”
The Warriors out-rebounded the Rebels, 41-32. However, Hawai’i’s 15 turnovers were recycled into 26 points for Mississippi. The Warriors also shot just 39.2 percent from the field, including just 12.5 percent (2 for 16) from 3-point range.
Hawai’i will not have much time to recover from the Diamond Head Classic. The Warriors will open Big West Conference action on Saturday, when they host Cal State Northridge at the Stan Sheriff Center.
(Game photos courtesy Brandon Flores)
— — — — —
NO. 3 ARIZONA WINS TOURNAMENT
Mark Lyons hit two free throws with 13.1 seconds remaining to lift No. 3 Arizona to a thrilling 68-67 victory over No. 17 San Diego State in the championship game of the tournament.
The Aztecs had the final possession, but Chase Tapley’s driving layup attempt was blocked by Arizona’s Nick Johnson.
Arizona took a 29-27 lead at halftime, but the Aztecs came out of the locker room and went on a 14-4 run to start the second half and take a 41-33 lead. The Wildcats eventually caught the Aztecs, and it stayed close in the final minutes.
Solomon Hill led Arizona with 21 points, and Kevin Parrom added 17. Tapley scored 19 for San Diego State.
Tuesday’s Results
Championship: No. 3 Arizona 68, No. 17 San Diego State 67
Third Place: Indiana State 57, Miami 55
Fifth Place: Mississippi 81, Hawai’i 66
Seventh Place: San Francisco 67, East Tennessee State 49
All-Tournament Team
Murphy Holloway (Mississippi)
Jake Odum (Indiana State)
Chase Tapley (San Diego State)
Mark Lyons (Arizona)
MVP: Solomon Hill (Arizona)
Gib and UH MBB team, loved the EFFORT, I am sure families and friends appreciated watching from Hawaii at SSC and around the globe, how you all battled back from 16 down to take lead at half.
Looking back, Vander and Roop, probably others were gassed at end of game, might have led to turnovers and game got away. Hey UH MBB team, guards wings and bigs, help take care of the ball, hope Gib you can rest some guys like Vander and Roop, however, I can see how they were needed to stay in game with Ole Miss. Man,you guys were not too many minutes away from beating Illinois and Ole Miss, and a great comeback against UNLV on the road.
UH guys, work together, stay together, cherish the ball, break the press and attack, in Vander, Fotu, Standhardinger and Davis , I think you all have probably the best, fully tested frontline players in the BWC, maybe LBSU has athletic bigs, transfers, however, your frontline battled huge, athletic and good SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and MWC top 25 team UNLV blow for blow..
UH warriors, go get 3 wins at home to start BWC season, fans and maniacs from winter break, I am sure will start to come out to support.,,a little at a time..even today’s smaller attendance, I viewed from home, loud support for the Rainbow Warriors..
We got your backs..take care of the ball, shoot well from outside, and play D by moving your feet..you guys are the makings of a good team come BWC tourney time..we can sense it..don’t look back, or regress. just go get em, get better, have great attitude, energy and effort, and finally EXECUTE..on O and D,..you all can challenge for BWC tourney crown..I think the BWC is a good one for warriors!!
BigWest season to start against a Northridge team that has a far better won loss record, we have yet to be a team with a Winning Record. The Warriors need to put everything together now, guard play is still lacking, inconsistent shooting , missed layups , is killing us, we have to put together two good halves.
team is frustrating…they make u watch the whole game only to let u down….you can see the inexperience and no athletic go to player
Checked out their roster, not as much size as Ole Miss, UNLV, Illinois and Miami…have guards wings, shoot, handles, probably quick..Hawaii had trouble with quick guards wings, from those SEC, ACC, MWC and Big Ten schools..now we shall see if the level of play by BWC leader is like those four strong teams UH played..and hfan09
, I agree, a lot of the fans, myself included, and globally, it is frustrating when UH had Pepperdine, Illinois and even Ole Miss on the ropes and could not close game out..too many turnovers and confusion..Vander is good, however, when you need quick strike offense, get up and down fast to score to come back..that is lacking..
Well time for Gib to earn his pay…and for guys, to execute..: KEY: first 5 out of 7 BWC games will be at SSC, so Hawaii has to make a run now..!!
You know, coaches can do so much..I think Gib has tried just about every combination, upperclassmen and experienced freshman now have to step up, I still have confidence they will..
Starts this Sat. Dec 29 2012 against the Matadors of Cal St. Northridge..
Go Rainbow Warriors!!
Team IS Young, Still Too Many Turnovers…
Still Learning to Execute 40; especially Finish, like First Half of ‘Ol Miss, second half UNLV, most of Illinois…
Indiana State IS a good scrappy team to learn from….
Fotu AND Standhardinger still learning… Both actually More Capable than they Humbly think, each, potentially (likely) another Vander (or Bill Amis) in development (more reliable & more consistent) than up ’til now … Remember Vander’s Work Ethic, Growth & Improvement…Watch for this kind of Growth & Improvement from Christian, Isaac AND Roop…
The Team is very close to ‘Able to Win”, even against “Good” Teams, With Way More UP Side Growth & Potential Available than this point last year…
Learn to Play 40+, More like End of First Half versus ‘Ol Miss (UNLV, Illinois)…
Shooting (with Roop, Jawato, Ozi And Hauns) should improve as they gain their game legs;
THE Question for Gib is How Fast can they learn & improve along that Learning Curve…?
Can/Will Hauns have a ‘Davis-like’ renewal, revival ?
(probably, don’t give up on Any of these guys working hard to improve…)
NEED to Collect More W’s NOW As they Learn, ‘cos they count in Big West…
Yes Manroop is not the ballhandler and flashy passer Pistol Pete was. But there never has been one like Pistol Pete—EVER! Wishful thinking on my part that I have high expectations for Manroop. Gib has no go to guy, when the team is down, no Carl English, no A.C. Carter, no Tom Henderson. It is what it is. Bill Amiss was underated. He scored key buckets, he kept the team together. I rate Gib’s first year as the best of his 3 seasons. No concise leader this year. No Kobe Bryant type leader and scorer. Vander has always been good but he is not a go to guy. Hauns all but disappeared. Christian can only play good against mid and lower lever fbs. If freshman Isaac Fotu keeps getting better as he has, look for him to step up as team leader. This is a team that hopefully finds its identity or Gib may be Kaput. UH administrators have a low tolerance patience level and as much as I think highly of Gib, look what they did to Jim Donovan. If Norm Chow didn’t win the last two games, UH might have hired Fred Von Appen again, LoL. Norm almost replicated Von Appen’s final year as HC. Thank God he didn’t. I pray Christian Standsharderandbringshomedabacon, and Hauns goes high up in the Koolau’s and pray to the Hawaiian Gods and ask the big Kahuna for thunder and lightning. And bless Manroop to inherit Pistol Pete’s Harlem Globetrotters passing and dribbling skills. And will Vander with Shaquille O’Neal awesome game.
TOO EARLY ….To Judge This Year… ONLY The Beginning, esp. for Freshmen and First Year Starters/Role Players…
AND i would be WAY Disappointed IF they Lost their First Five Conference Games like Year One
(OR their LAST 6, 7, 8 when Out-Coached like the previous Years)
SO, i “Think” they’re Ahead of the previous 1-2 DHC year(s)…(we’ll see)
(Even Fotu & Standhardinger are “Healthier” than B.A. was proven up to that point)
NO Benchmark WINS, but Usually In The Game Most of The Way…
GOT TO Learn TO FINISH to Win (Like First Half Yesterday) and Play Effectively “All the Rest of the Time” …
Northridge 9-3 coming off of ROAD-WIN (Second) This Past Week @ 7-4 UTAH,
and earlier Win over irritating Pepperdine…
Who would you rather have, if they were coming back: Joston Thomas, Trevor Wiseman, Bobby Miles, Shaquille Stokes, OR Isaac Fotu, Christian Standhardinger, Manroop Clair, Brandon Jawato, and Brandon Spearman, Ozren Pavlovic, etc. Ah, I would take the new Rainbow Warriors hands down.
The problem I see with the team is mental. Gib Arnold has to talk to the team about “do you think you can win”, “can you believe you can win”, or “do you know you’re going to win”. That’s three different mind sets. But, at the moment of truth, the team has to just do it down the stretch. That’s taking care of the ball, looking for each other, crisp passing, making big shots, and making key free throws. Each player has to think about the mental part of the game a lot more. They do the physical part and work on their skills in practice, but being smart with the basketball is “heady” stuff.
Having said that, I think Hauns Brereton will have a big game on Saturday against Northridge. I just have a feeling about that. We’ll see what happens.
UH Warriors, have to take care of ball, shoot well, continue to rebound, Bigs are strength, I think they will do well in BWC play, looking at BWC rosters, no other team, except LBSU with their transfers, matches UH’s BIGS in terms of going against Ilinois, UNLV on the Road, Miami(huge and good), and Ole Miss(good SEC athletes)..Davis, Vander, Fotu, Standhardinger(who has to pump fake, more, otherwise, his vertical is not good, he gets swatted..love his hustle)..whatever shortcomings Bigs have , are fixable..I think with the experience of losing to 4 very good MBB teams before conference play, actually helps UH for BWC..Don’t think any BWC team from 1 through 12 on their rosters will be as physical as the teams Hawaii lost too, with exception of Pepperdine.
Hey, Fans, cannot give up on team yet..THIS BWC season, is THE SEASON..do well in conference, get good seeding, do well in 3 months, by BWC play if everyone, and I think they will, so far, no attitude, morale, letdown, no melodrama, just hope all the guys did well in school GPA..
And Eagle , correct, this team OHANA…working very hard since summer..now they can start to put pieces together..Maybe Gib runs the 3 guard with two Bigs lineup more,that helped them come back against Ole Miss.
This game at home against Northridge, in fact look to the first 3 BWC home games to start season, if Hawaii, playing really well, D, O, taking care of the ball, get out to lead , and close games with confidence, all 1
contd. all 12 guys on roster fulfilling their defined roles..UH should be alright, unless. 3 or 4 guys go down to injury, illness. or OTHER….Look for UH warriors to come out playing hard, with the right attitude, effort and energy..
Ratbird…in the numbers game..18 BWC games, 1 Bracket Buster game at SSC in Feb. , and at least 1 game to open BWC tourney, total 20 games to at least, at the least go 12-8 down to 2nd round of BWC tourney, that would give Hawaii a 18 and 14 record..I think Hawaii can with the improved guard play of Roop, Jawato, Spearman and Jace in handling and protecting ball, and attacking pressure defense..win 14 or the next possible 20 games , and put them at 20 wins going into semifinals of BWC play.
However, I am a fan, as you are of UH BB, and we know if you don’t show wins, or winning season and post season by third year..well, you know how it goes..however..this group of guys, they learned a lot by playing those 4 good teams, and even the loss to Pepperdine..take care of the ball, and close out games..UH at home, and maybe on the road in those 1500 to 5000 seat arenas in BWC will fare well..especially if have decent guard play..
I know Gib, and staff and team, their only concern is…Northridge….so guys , steady the guard play…close out, and come out with the win..remember, first 5 out of 7 BWC games are at SSC, and if guard play is really good, maybe Hawaii takes a couple off the road, in the first half of BWC play…
Go Warriors, from Croatia to Angola, Australia to Latvia, we support your effort..you all can do it!!
With conference play starting up, I anticipate a 16-18 win season for these guys, and wouldn’t count out a 20+ season if they can really get into a rythm. 6 – 5 isn’t a bad record considering we’ve won all games that we should have except the one bad loss to Pepperdine. We should have beaten Illinois, and yesterdays game was very winnable as well. Let’s remember that this team is still very young with 8 freshman that will continue to improve and get better. I’m also anticipating a 2nd or 3rd place conference finish with about 10 – 13 wins.
At this point, the main focus should be the turnover game. That’s really how we lost yesterday, and needs to get fixed ASAP.
Other than that, can’t wait ’til Saturday night. Let’s go BOWS!!
Derek. Christian Standhardinger, Brandon Jawato and Isaac Fotu were not “either/or” propositions, as all three were either here or signed and sealed (in the case of Isaac Fotu) long before Thomas, Wiseman, Miles and Stokes said they were leaving the program. Even Spearman was signed early in the Spring signing period and was not a “replacement” for anyone. The late signees or commitments were Manroop Clair, Ozi Pavlovic, and Aaron Valdes, so it is only fair to say that these were the guys signed because Thomas, et. al. “left” (and don’t forget the Israeli kid who had to leave).
Whatever you may think of Clair, Pavlovic and Valdes as future stars and judging strictly on current playing ability, not character, I would much rather have Thomas, Wiseman and Stokes right now than Manroop, Ozi and Aaron. Of course, there is a lot of behind the scenes stuff involving player interaction, coach-player interaction and other “team chemistry type things” that we don’t know about in any definitive way, but just in terms of playing ability alone, this year’s team would be much better, deeper and more versatile with Thomas, Wiseman and Stokes than it is with Clair, Pavlovic and Valdes.
But, . . . things are the way they are. In any event, Gib gets the credit and the blame, as all of the guys you mention were his recruits.
If Gib can’t solve the poor ball handling by the back court it’s going to be a long season as conference teams will exploit it big time. I can live with poor free throw shooting this year. Don’t think it’s going to change overnight. But turnovers and poor outside shooting is unacceptable for this team. We got half the puzzle solved—great front court. Now we need the other half to come around. Can’t have the bigs carry us game after game.
I think if the guards are able to improve fast enough on the ball handling and be able to hit at least 70% of free throws, it should enable the big guys to play they’re inside game.
Pretty good field for 2012 DH Classic, that championship game Arizona vs SDSU was CLASSIC..
Gib and team, they gave it their all, now , at this moment preparing for Northridge.
Agree with all of the great comments, posts above..UH not only physically on court, what they have to do on O and D and protecting ball, closing out games..as another fan mentioned, BBIQ, even though tired, and especially on home court: MENTALLY TOUGH..
Now , we can see, if not only the Bigs, who, if the guards can get them the ball, and they rebound and push, here and on the road, are very very good, ..If UH had a senior PG, with the physical and mental part of game wired..UH wins against, Illinois, Ole Miss, and who knows, maybe steals a win on the road against UNLV, and gets guys going against Miami, who was beatable..and of course would have led team to a given win against Pepperdine.
So: situation, No such PG, for warriors this year…trial by fire, and PG and combo guards, and wings by committee..Jace, still like the young man, great family guy and friend for team and coaches..a coach on the floor, Roop, with the minutes and experience playing very very good ACC,SEC, Big Ten teams..will be good down the stretch..Spearman, hmmm..he could run point, although his defined role is defend decently, run, and score, whenever get the ball, he doesn’t make too many mistakes..not afraid to take the big shot..
And Jawato, he runs like a gazelle, great shape..No AC type PG , or even Mark Campbell, David Hilton, Troy Bowe, or even Artie Wilson, so guard to run O and D by committee, ..if you all recall in recent history, a pretty decent ball handler, good passer, and started half court offense: Kalaheo’s own Julian Sensley..would be nice if we had a SF, wing who could handle and make pass, and bring offense..
So we got what we got..These next 7 games in the BWC , 5 here at the SSC and 2 on the road..will be huge..if UH comes out of that first important 7 at 5-2 or 6-1, with steady guard play..and closing out games..they are upward and onwards towards good season..if UH goes 2-5 or 1-6 in that stretch..not too good,..
We all have to support the guys, ..Shout out to Gib and MBB team…steady that guard play whomever, even if have to activate Dyrbe Enos, ..and you know..why not?..maybe another Miah?..Bigs play Big..
I think UH will win at least 18 or 19 games this season before BWC tourney..and if hot..with steady guard play, have a shot at 3 wins in a row and chance to dance..hey UH hoops fans, I love this time of year.. Football bowl games, Volleyball Men’s around the corner, Softball Wahine gearing up, and Rainbow Baseball team, looks like going to have good year again.,, Now if by mid March, we all check back at WI..and Dayton has update on Selection Sunday, and UH is going to Midwest Regional against Xavier(remember them?) that would be a dream come true..Hoop Dreams fans, Hoop Dreams..
UH MBB team, fans still backing you guys..get better each game..first step: WIN against Northridge this Sat Dec 29 2012 at the rockin SSC..hope at least 5000-6000 , come out..!!
Go Warriors!!
He is a lot more fit and moves quite a bit quicker than he did last year, but “Jawato . . . runs like a gazelle”??!! C’mon, Man!!!
The only thing that matters is the next game. No sense looking ahead or making any future predictions. We are 6-5. We are what we are, a team that’s looking to close out games in tight contests. If the team continues to do the same things over and over again, we will get the same results. Have to do things differently, to get different results. That’s the coaches job, to coach the players and strategize and know each player’s strengths and weak points.
I just hope the team is ready on Saturday and performs well.
Guards just need to take care of the ball and take confident shots. Jace is a pass first guy but ball-handling is suspect when pressured and outside shot is ugly. Roop is young, ball-handling and decision making need work but does have a quick release shot. Jawato plays hard like Standhardinger, just needs to play smart and settle down, does get erratic at times but he will learn with experience. Hauns really has been MIA. Bruddah was lighting up the summer league and has since faded to the bench without notice. He needs to gain some confidence and just pick and pop his shots with confidence. Spearman needs to be aggressive all game cause when he plays hard he can get buckets. In any case the biggest thing with the guards is taking care of the basketball and not giving up easy turnovers from shady ball-handling. Lots of dribbling when pressured instead of moving the ball around quicker. This is where I think if Shaq Stokes stayed, we wouldn’t have this problem. Plus Wiseman would’ve helped in the ball-handling department at SF. Still guards need to step it up cause relying on the bigs to carry the team without solid guard play isn’t going to take them very far.
Once again agree with Derek, this is more mental. Each basketball player on this team can produce in different ways or they wouldn’t be playing at this level. Talking about past players is honestly a waist of time, we need to support the team we have now!
This team has so much talent, yes many freshman, without experience but with good coaching and constructive criticism and PT, it can work.
Coaching staff knows there players, some have a higher basketball IQ and some just come with more energy during game time.
It’s about using each player to their potential.
Just my thoughts.
Yes, Coach knows what he has in his arsenal of players. Yes, some are only good in certain aspects of playing the “pg” position. WE definitely know what Tavita brings to the table as a pg, his strong suit is assists and it’s not the type of assists that he creates attacking the basket One dimentional type of assists if you’re asking me. Oh, yeah he has another but he’s not a whole lot better than the rest and that’s breaking the full court press.
Coach knows Tavita, that’s why he’s trying out GJ and MC at the pg position.
This is Coach’s PROBLEM! A lot of us got on Tavita’s back but it’s because Coach doesn’t have someone else to take the reigns so to say. So Jace gives it his all at what he does, you can’t ask for more. It’s not Tavita fault for lacking some aspects of the pg position, he gives it his all when he plays. IT’S Coach’s fault for having to put Tavita in this position!
That’s the bottom line. And you know what, I just started to realize what i wrote above. As long as Tavita plays 100% +, you can’t blame him for his shortfall.
If there’s a gripe with whoever plays the pg position it should be with “Coach”. What he did or didn’t get in the previous recruiting classes. Tavita is the scapegoat for Coach’s shortfall!
It’s too bad we didn’t get Pierre Jackson from the College of Southern Idaho. He’s only 5’10” but he’s leading the Baylor Bears with 19.0 points per game and 6.3 assists per game. If we had him, we wouldn’t be taking about PG issues. One good player in a key position can make all the difference in the world. Gib Arnold knows all about how good Jackson is as he has past ties ti CSI. And, IF, we had Shamburger this year it would make a huge impact too. Ah, the timeliness of it all.
Did we offer Pierre Jackson? wish he came in a package deal with Spearman. Spearman needs to start ,please do not put Tavita in the game with a few minutes left ,when he has not scored all night and the fact is we need the scorers in the game. Spearnan is the most talented combo guard and has size and quickness to play the point along with the ability to score. Play him at the point already. Jawato at the two or three.
I think with BWC teams, not being huge, like Miami, 6’10”, 6’11” posts or Ole Miss . Illinois, UNLV with those very athletic , shot blocking 6’7″ to 6’9″ guys, maybe, Gib goes 3 guards and 2 Bigs…
Jace: best at this point running half court, though he has to shoot or drive to hole to score or dish,otherwise on O a non factor, Spearman does a little of everything well, Roop, that 3 ball shot , with a little opening, is getting better, bet he and Spearman are getting tons of reps at PG in practice..
In BWC play: 3 guards and 2 Bigs..Bigs can really work it, I think Vander, Fotu, Standhardinger, if he head, and pump fakes more, and Davis off the bench, will do well in BWC..
Don’t you all get really nervous, almost develop ulcer, watching a close game, about 5 min. mark, when UH starts to lose it..self implode, ..UH practices, should be just guards on guards, protect ball, think before making
passes. just Jace, Roop, Spearman, Jefferson and Harper, constantly working it..ball movement, inbounding, working against double teams, traps, etc..I think the Bigs are good and getting better..the guards and wings Hauns and Ozi, have to step up too..
I think we are all in agreement..their is no super duper PG this year..and we want UH MBB team to do well and no question go dancing, NIT or NCAA…
Protect ball, cherish each possession,…play with confidence , no one takes ball away from you..BALL IS MINE..no one strips it…etc..
MENTAL toughness..they play like that, the guards and the wings too..UH can win in BWC..
Still, 20-20 is hindsight, forgot about Orel Lev leaving for military! He was a great scout team player, and one of the best athletes, impressed coaching staff last spring. Imagine if he had stayed..might have helped..
Shaq, well, wish him the best, he has a whole life to rebuild, and Bobby Miles, anyone know where he is? If one of them were still here, would make difference..however as we all know, too late now..
And pocho, I do agree, and many many posters, here mentioned when spring recruiting was over to fill spots of guys that left, how come Gib did not go after a good, not all world, just a quick , good ball handling,PG, a Troy Bowe would have been great, a Mark Campbell, and Artie Wilson.. just 7 or 8 pts, 1.5 turnovers, 75% FT shooter, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 or 2 threes … a game..no fear..could have been from Polynesia, eastern europe, or out of Toronto..I think when Gib signed Roop, and with the coach PG type in Jace, he thought we got it covered..
Ahhh, I have to let it rest too, pocho..it is what it is..guards have to get better, close out games, and just win..at this point, probably Roop and Spearman, with Jawato and Jace, Jefferson, working D, and pressuring..kind of weird though, in my eyes, this team, if they steady guard play and finish games..still have chance to do major damage in BWC…it is a winnable, in tourney, league for UH..Cali travel, should not be too much a factor..
Heck whatever Gib does..UH MBB team, just have one more point on the board than opponent when final buzzer goes off for game, regulation or OT’s..
Just Geev em!!
jjay i hate when gib does that….beginning of the season he’d put ozren and clair in late in the second half when they havent even played a minute and expect them to shoot lights out
Yes, UH still has a good chance to contend for the BW Title. The freshmen are getting there time in and hopefully can learn from their mistakes…
Vander finally had a breakout game he’s been looking for. As I’ve said before… I hope he can recognize double teams faster. Once he learns this the offense will really open up. Good ball movement coming out of double teams will open up easy 3 point looks or open up driving lanes to the hoop.
The game was fun to watch and exciting, until the doodoo hit the fan with 3 min left.
Tavita made 2 costly mistakes cost UH this game… With 2:45 left in the game, UH was trailing 63-67, Tavita’s defender dared him to shoot and Tavita obliged by taking an ill-advised 3pt shot early in the shot clock (which he missed badly), Ole Miss then got the rebound and turned into a bucket. After a UH timeout, on the set play, Tavita made a lazy post entry pass to Vander and was stolen and led to a fast break bucket. In 2 possessions, the deficit went from 4 to 8 and the game was essentially over after that.
Defensively, Tavita is pretty solid, but he’s a non-treat on offense, and his numerous turnovers make it tough for UH to function consistently on offense. Tavita is too experienced to be making this many sloppy turnovers on his passes. When opponents use a zone defense, Tavita becomes a liability because he’s a poor shooter and doesn’t attack the hoop enough. Basically the defense only has to guard 4 players.
Clair is making the typical freshmen mistakes, both on offense and defense, but he’ll get better as the year goes on. Fotu is getting better each game… He just needs to stay aggressive.
I guess I’m kinda shocked Tavita and Brereton are playing so poorly. They were needed to be the senior leaders, but looks like they have lost their starting jobs to the youngsters, which isn’t a bad thing. Just expect ups and downs with so many freshmen playing.
The DHC kinda exposed UH’s weaknesses. Sloppy ball handling at the point guards, poor execution vs full-court zone press, inconsistent 3 point shooting are the main culprits UH needs to work on going into Big West play.
I see this as a long-term positive because UH has plenty of film to show what they need to work on.
Here’s the ugly stats in UH’s 5 losses…
UH is shooting 27% from 3pt range
Points allowed off UH turnovers & offensive rebounds:
Opp. pts. off TO Total TO pts off O.Reb Total O.Reb
vs Ill: 19 16 7 7
vs UNLV 23 17 13 11
vs Pepp 20 10 10 7
vs Mia 18 15 14 9
vs Miss 24 15 15 8
UH is allowing 1.42pts per turnover
UH is allowing 1.40pts per offensive rebound
Those are really bad numbers… This means that opponents are converting a high % of turnovers and off. rebounds into buckets (mostly dunks/layups). If the number is at or below 1.0, then that means the team is recovering from it’s mistakes.
The good news is that the problems are identifiable and can be corrected. UH hasn’t been blown off the court because they lack talent. All of their losses have mostly been by self-inflicted wounds.
I checked the turnover numbers at the PG position and they are very ugly this season.
Jace Tavita is averaging 4.8 turnovers per 40 minutes
Manroop Clair is also averaging 4.8 turnovers per 40 min.
By comparison, Miah Orstrowski averaged 3.6 TO per 40min. UH’s last quality point guard, Mark Campbell only averaged 2.6 TO per 40min, which is an outstanding number.
Just for fun facts… Chris Paul averaged 3.2 TO per 40min while at Wake Forest (only played 2 years before leaving for NBA). Jason Kidd, who’s the best college PG I’ve ever seen play in person, averaged 4.8 TO per 40min, but he took more chances on his passes. Kidd also averaged over 9 ast/game his final year at Cal.Paul only averaged 6.3 ast/game.
Former UH Athlete:
We really appreciate your observations, especially you being a former UH athlete and competitor!
Yes, agreed, PG, ball handling, turnovers, BB IQ,…well when Gib recruited these freshman, the sale was not only being in Hawaii and enjoying culture, and a very good education..it would be, if they buy in, give max effort, put TEAM first, they would play, and possibly play a lot..now for Isaac, Roop, Jawato, …it has proved true..still
need wing production from Ozi, USA BB game a little too quick for him, however UHA, as you know Bird, Kidd, even Magic were not the quickest, however BBIQ very very high , and those guys work on game constantly..passing, handling, shooting..they are Hall of Famers, or Kidd will eventually be one.
The Wiz of Oz, Ozi, has to find that niche too..shoot from wings or top, interesting when he has some space, I love watching Vander shoot that 3 ball from the top of circle..the release and landing is true..Now Ozi has to do
that as well, get space, and launch, Hawaii, will be zoned a lot by BWC teams I think, and Ozi, Jawato,Spearman, Roop, and even Hauns have to be ready to hit 3 ball, hard for Vander and Fotu, to win games, without the perimeter scoring..
You are correct, when UH gets the inside and outside game going, D up and rebound and run..this team is fun to watch..Now they have to start off the first 10 minutes of game, on fire, and the last ten minutes of games..close out solid..Hauns and Jace still can contribute..they have to lead from bench or when in there, use BBIQ to help young guys , in fact whole team win..This 2012-13 edition 1 through 12 on active roster, I like, good young guys,
with coaches working with them , and having played top notch teams, you are right, a lot of video to go over..without question, TAKE CARE OF THE BALL, D, REBOUND, and BBIQ to close out games= victories..UHA,..I think it starts this Sat against Northridge..in fact the first 3 game homestand at SSC is important for whole season in my opinion..!
MBB team, play hard, smart , together..and team close out games, you all can have good season!!
Former UH Athlete,
I love your posts for their detailed analysis and now I love them for the stats that back up the analysis.
My perception from actually seeing the games now is confirmed by your statistics – I was excited to see the turnaround in the first half during the last game that they played – not after half time – to me that was a great example of what the guys can do – forget how many subs there have been – forget who is a freshman or a senior – there is enough talent there and combinations that can create new momentum at any time and I think that Gib showed that he wasn’t afraid of mixing it up and not sticking to the “rules”.
I am not a game statistician but love them when they are so nicely packaged as you do – Thanks Heaps
Aussie Mum:
UHA, great breakdown. Glad you had privilege of seeing games in person(with Michael getting to play too.) As UHA, stated, a lot of the things that caused UH to not close out games, albeit, whomever PG, SG, senior or freshman, UH and Gib and staff have a lot of things to work on that are fixable. Roop getting invaluable PT, and Jawato, getting to play more and contribute, going to help team in BWC.
You saw haw UH when getting it going inside to Vander, Fotu, etc, and the perimeter, guards , wings, shooting well, UH is a very good team. When, only one part going good, maybe perimeter hitting some 3’s , yet the Bigs getting shutdown, not too good.
This group of athletes, including your son, I believe they get it…will learn from DHC games, and if implement will do well in BWC…I guess not too good to isolate on one player, all of the young guys are great student athletes..they are doing their best, and they too want to win, as we fans and families want to see them do well also.
Look forward to this Saturday Dec 29 2012 game against Cal-St. Northridge, the current leader in wins in BWC at 9-3, going against UH..should be a good game..
And thanks UHA, ..you sure you are not Benjy or Brandyn? Just kidding..thanks for the breakdown…as well as comments from Clyde, and Servante, etc…great observations, very insightful..truism..if you have adequate to very good guards, BB teams at any level, secondary school to the Pros, your team has chance to do well..
I have confidence, UH MBB team will be in the running for BWC tourney crown..they have the experience of going against 4 of the top 35 teams in the USA..Illinois, UNLV, Miami and Ole Miss..
Go Warriors..!!
and comments , observations from Derek, jjay, etc..just about everyone..we all love UH hoops, and want them to get better and have great success this year..Mahalo to all..
We love the UH MBB warriors , that is for sure..!!(hey, I have to keep the positive vibe going as long as possible!!)
I have confidence, UH MBB team will be in the running for BWC tourney crown..they have the experience of going against 4 of the top 35 teams in the USA..Illinois, UNLV, Miami and Ole Miss..
Correction: Illinois #12 and UNLV #20 in AP top 25 poll, Miami and Ole Miss. not listed in top 35..probably they are top 40-45 teams, which are still good teams!! Hawaii was playing very well, at times against top 50 teams, don’t see any BWC teams in top 25..maybe down the road…(warriors..if they ran the table!)
Big Game this Saturday, hope students come back now that semester to start, what would be a little different but a good idea is to have the team enter from the upper level student section when it’s game time and the band is playing five O song, come down that aisle by the band and students have them high five, chest bump the students what ever they feel like doing ,show da love and come down to the court for the intros
Hey Dayton, since the start, enjoyed WI, your hard work and wonderful sponsors. A lot of great fans and comments. Now you are globally recognized as source for all things MBB and things related. Glad I was able to
start to post comments along with Eagle, Clyde, al, njoy, etc. from beginning about 2 years ago. Now, I have to dictate, someone is typing for me…hard for that person.,, so I bid a fond farewell to WI forum, I will follow your updates and videos, you and WI are still the best for UH Rainbow Warrior Basketball.
Eyes, tired, hands and wrists, not able, enjoy the new followers on this site from around the world, as Eagle stated , and alluded to me, UHF, hey: come on, keep on posting..well, to great fan Eagle, just like the Warriors, I gave it my best for some two years, now , I sit back and have someone else check site and relate information..time marches on and we all get a little older and “other stuff”…
Aloha, and Mahalo…Wish the best to Gib and team for rest of year.
A very grateful supporter of UH hoops since the mid sixties,
Uhfanzonly1, signing off!
Go Rainbow Warriors!!
Sorry, the spacing on the stats got auto corrected. Can I consider that infringement of my 1st amendment rights?
LOL