Hawai’i picked sixth in Big West Preseason Poll
The University of Hawai’i basketball team was picked sixth in the Big West Conference Preseason Poll on Thursday.
UC Irvine was picked first, followed by UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly, Long Beach State and UC Davis.
UH senior forward Christian Standhardinger was one of six players named to the Big West Conference Preseason All-Conference Team.
Here is the official release from the Big West Conference:
Russell Turner’s UC Irvine Anteaters have been tabbed the favorite to win the 2013-14 Big West men’s basketball title as the conference’s preseason media poll came out today.
The Anteaters received nine of 24 first-place votes and 183 points for the top slot in a tightly contested poll. The next three schools were separated by a mere three points. UC Santa Barbara claimed six first-place votes and 167 points for second place, while Cal Poly garnered 165 points and three first-place nods for third. Three-time defending regular season champion Long Beach State held down the fourth spot with five first-place tallies and 164 points. UC Davis collected 114 points for fifth place, followed by Hawaii in sixth (110 points) and Cal State Northridge (89 points) in seventh. The Matadors also received the lone remaining first-place vote. Rounding out the poll were Cal State Fullerton (57 points) in eighth place and UC Riverside (31 points) in ninth. This is the first time since the 2001-02 season that UCI has been picked to finish first in a preseason media poll.
UC Irvine posted a 21-16 overall record in 2012-13 to tie for the third-most wins in a season in program history. The Anteaters finished 11-7 in Big West play, including a 9-0 mark at home, and advanced to the championship game of the Big West Tournament. UCI earned its first postseason berth in 11 years as a participant in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. A win over High Point in the CIT first round represented UCI’s first postseason victory since toppling UCLA in the first round of the 1986 NIT.
The Anteaters return a pair of starters in junior Will Davis II and sophomore Alex Young. Davis II, the 2012-13 Big West Defensive Player of the Year, had 88 blocked shots to shatter the school’s single-season record that he set as a freshman, and came within one swat of tying Big West all-time leader Michael Olowokandi of Pacific. Young earned Big West Co-Freshman of the Year honors, with the point guard establishing a UCI single-season record for assists (144) and posting the nation’s 16th-best assist-to-turnover ratio (2.62). Arguably the nation’s tallest team, UCI boasts three 7-footers in 7-0 sophomore Conor Clifford, 7-6 freshman Mamadou Ndiaye and 7-2 freshman Ioannis Dimakopoulos, with seven players who stand 6-8 or above.
UC Santa Barbara is anchored by three returning starters and the reigning Big West Sixth Man of the Year. Junior center Alan Williams, an All-Big West First Team choice last season, became the first Gaucho in 23 years to average a double-double as he finished at 17.1 points and a league-best 10.7 rebounds per game. Preseason accolades for Williams include his selection to CollegeInsider.com’s Lou Henson Mid-Major All-American Team. Kyle Boswell, last year’s top sixth man in the conference, averaged 13.0 points per game and knocked down 78 three-pointers. Sophomores Taran Brown (11.1 ppg) and Michael Bryson (8.4 ppg) also bolster the Gauchos from the wing positions.
Cal Poly set program records for Big West victories (12) and Big West winning percentage (.667) in 2012-13, building upon an 18-14 overall mark and a trip to the CIT for the program’s first postseason appearance. Senior Chris Eversley was named to the all-conference first team after ranking in the Big West top 10 in points (15.4 ppg) and rebounds (7.0 rpg). The Mustangs have led the Big West in scoring defense for three straight seasons.
The first program to win three straight outright Big West regular season championships since UNLV in the 1980s, Long Beach State welcomes in a host of new faces to join forces with returning starters junior Mike Caffey and senior Dan Jennings. A first team all-conference selection, Caffey helped the 49ers finish 19-14 overall and 14-4 in the Big West while averaging 12.0 points and 3.8 assists per game. Entering this season, Long Beach State owns a 26-game home court winning streak against Big West opponents. The 49ers have not lost to a Big West foe inside the Walter Pyramid since Feb. 17, 2010.
The media panel also selected a six-player preseason all-conference team comprised of two seniors and four juniors from six different institutions. Mike Caffey, Will Davis II, Chris Eversley and Alan Williams join UC Davis junior Corey Hawkins and Hawai‘i senior Christian Standhardinger among the honorees. Each of those players with the exception of Davis II were 2012-13 All-Big West First Team recipients.
MEDIA POLL RESULTS
1. UC Irvine (9) 183
2. UC Santa Barbara (6) 167
3. Cal Poly (3) 165
4. Long Beach State (5) 164
5. UC Davis 114
6. Hawai‘i 110
7. Cal State Northridge (1) 89
8. Cal State Fullerton 57
9. UC Riverside 31
( ) First Place votes
MEDIA PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
Mike Caffey (Long Beach State) G Junior Riverside, Calif.
Will Davis II UC Irvine F Junior Sacramento, Calif.
Chris Eversley Cal Poly F Senior Chicago, Ill.
Corey Hawkins UC Davis G Junior Goodyear, Ariz.
Christian Standhardinger Hawai‘i F Senior Munich, Germany
Alan Williams UC Santa Barbara C Junior Phoenix, Ariz.
Polls, if Hawaii were picked first or last, what difference does it make , it is still only Pre Season! When BWC tourney play comes, and Hawaii is the tournament winner and gets the bid to NCAA, they will be on top of that conference! I think, Gib, he just wants to keep his guys healthy, in mind, and body, do well as ONE OHANA and wins will come. MBB team, keep getting better day by day, when March comes around, we shall see how you guys did. With hard work and stick together, play as one, and win as one, you guys can win BWC regular and tourney titles.
One note of reality, from this long time UH fan, although, I do get really excited, hyped for UH MBB team, actually, have to, to promote interest in program, and continue site exchange of ideas and suggestions, Reality: UH MBB team has 3 returning starters, plus Jawato, Harper and Rozitis, who have played last year. So, total of 6 guys returning, with possible 9 New guys joining them this year, It might take time to be on same page, and run Gib’s O and D, as well as to get wins. As long as they , make progress, from game 1 to game 14(end of 2013), and have winning record, good one, going into BWC play, that is a good sign. Eagle, that is how I look at it, one game at a time, and that Pre BWC play, record , if UH has good record going in to BWC, they have shot at BWC title. Either way, should be exciting at SSC. The Bigs, plus MT and AV at 3/4 hybrid spot, as well as shooters Jawato, Harper and Enos, have to bring it. Hey, Eagle, one week from today, good test: Exhibition match with BYU-Hawaii, who have some size and shooters, we shall see where UH is at that time, then, a week later, boom! Season Starts!
Rock on, Game On Rainbow Warriors!
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Hoopsa, I don’t know, that poll, maybe they factor in the loss of Vander and Hauns. I personally think , with Fotu, Standhardinger, a healthy and focused Spearman, addition of Nevels, Smith and Shamburger, and the two young guns, Aaron and Mike T., UH at home or on the road(if they are on fire at that time)can beat any one of those top 5 teams!
Remember last year, UH at LBSU, UH almost able to win that match. The weakness last year, PG and athleticism, hope it is fixed, I believe it is, Nevels, Smith, Valdes, Thomas, ALL the guys just have to be on it, give it their all, and they have a shot to finish 1, 2 or 3. Preferably number 1 !!
Uhfanzonly1 voting for final BWC media post, Hawaii finish Numbah One, and NCAA invitee next March 2014!
Laughable…
It’s ok, just more motivation for the boys.
CS Northridge got a 1st place vote, so this poll means nothing. UCI only has 2 returning starters and a bunch if tall guys, most of which aren’t athletic at all and they are picked 1st?!?
sounds about right since we haven’t really proved much in this conference….what do they know that we don’t?….a bunch of new players but same ‘ol coach lol…good thing we all start the season as even
Love the Comments…
With ANY Due Respect to Jeff, Brian and whoever else fesses up to “Polling”, No One Ever accused the Media of being The Smartest people around (i wish the BW would make the coaches commit for what itʻs worth, which is almost always more than what the media poll is worth) — as iʻve often noted, The Future does NOT need to look like the Past — IF Good, Smart Effort is successfully applied, it shouldnʻt… similar to Na Wahine being Low in Polls last year and High this year…
That said, Apparently at least four groups of people think the “Top Four” are The Best in the Big West (Number One Votes) and No One foresaw or was willing to Declare Hawaiʻi as Number One — so Rainbow Warriors Take the #4 to #6, Most of ALL Media/Magazine Predictions, as Free Additional Motivation to Show ʻEm What You Got and What You Can Do…
By “My Way” of Counting i “SEE” FOUR Returning 10 ppg ʻStartersʻ because Shamburger did that Every Year (Both) in Division One in the Tougher WAC … Plus The Significant Talent and Athleticism injections…. Four ʻ10ppg startersʻ can only be Beat by Five on paper … and i think this group can “Light Up that paper and Smoke It!”
The Real Poll, of course is The Tourney And Final Conference Standings
which ?Similar to Na Wahine? should look a lot like Next Yearʻs Poll…
Go ʻBows!
Hoʻokahi No ʻOhana!
My view is that the voters want Hawaii to prove itself in the league before placing them in the upper echelon. It is fair, but two of the teams placed higher than UH have never finished in the top three under their current coaching staff (i.e. UCI finished fourth last year and lost three of their better players, but are projected first).
To finish what I was saying:
I agree with others here that the poll doesn’t mean much and is laughable.
Yes polls by media, and you are right Eagle, the respect by coaches for Gib and the guys he got, probably underlying there. The BWC teams, look at Hawaii, they see Christian and Fotu, they know they will be even better this year. Along with a HEALTHY Spearman, who, upon being injured, was the difference I believe in Hawaii finishing either 17 win or 19, 20 win last year. If only he didn’t get hurt.
Shamburger, proven WAC D1 performer. All those Cali guys, Jawato, Thomas, Valdes, Smith and Nevels, they know that Cali league, the BWC. It is not the ACC or SEC, or Big 12, Pac 12, it is a winnable conference.
Now in YEAR 4, the payoff, and I agree with FUHA, many of us thought that last year, YEAR 3 was the year, however the shortcomings at PG, and athleticism, hurt UH. Now, UH, primariliy has the more athletics PG’s and SG’s, and two emerging young 3/4 guys in Valdes and Thomas. Big for Big? I think with Davis and Jovanovich, and yes Dressler , it will take time to heal his back, could be chronic, really bummer on his loss..for now…battling using their 10 fouls, I say advantage UH, with the guards increased ability to match BWC and the awesome PF twosome of Fotu and Standhardinger, if UH can stop penetration to rim and guard the 3, as well as create offense by pressure D, I think that is the KEY for UH this year, DEFENSE, awesome type, will help them win a bunch of games, and at end of season, have shot for NCAA or NIT. Not how you are chosen in a poll at beginning of season, it is where team is at THE END of season, that counts, and they could be number one, in final standings!
hawaiifan09, all due respect, Gib is doing as good a job as possible, I know not perfect, however, he revamped his recruiting base, and type of student athlete to compete in BWC and be compatible in Hawaii. Hfan09. , I ain’t no bandwagon jumper, win or lose I support the current coach and team!
Hfan09, have fun watching the games at SSC should be exciting!
Go Bows!
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hawaiifan09: Well at least we all can wait for whomever signs LOI early in November 2013. Flemings and ? Also, in spring 2014. Love recruiting ongoing. Maybe Gib gets a couple of guys put teeth on the rim and shotblocker mistake erasers, who can run, dunk, jump hook, mid range to 3 game, and create.
Otherwise, guys like Aaron and Mike T., can develop and be IN THE HOUSE, rim rattlers for 4 years. Imagine by year 4, their senior years. Team could be AWESOME.
Anyways hawaiifan09 keep a smile on your face. Baksetball season almost here, and to Aussie Mum and Tonganator, and families of the hard working MBB team , from Kapalama Heights to Serbia, enjoy the season. I think it is going to be really good. Team, as Christian says: JUST STICK TOGETHER ONE OHANA, get better, constantly and peak in March 2014!
Go Bows, and enjoy season hawaiifan09, look on the bright side always, will help you and all of us enjoy life, in a sometimes very dark and gloomy world! UH MBB gives us some Aloha, and hope for a few months!
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Go Rainbow Warriors, win that BWC and go Dancing!
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Baksetball? I meants Basketball ! Wow!
Go Bows!
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I meant Hoops!
Go Bows, finish first or higher! Just humor! 😀 finish big and go Dance , Da Big One!
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Go Rainbow Warriors, sorry newbies, that is what they are currently known as, the Rainbow Warriors for ALL Men Athletic teams!
Just have great season Kane and Na Wahine teams!
Do Well in class too, so important. Finish in 4 or 5 years and graduate. Hate to harp on an old guy, Vander, the guy who gave up during C.I.T. AFA game at SSC, wish he finishes his degree. Please Vander, get your degree, so when you are done playing pro ball, or teaching, you have that to fall back on!
Go Bows
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Whew.. that 7-5 animal grew an inch (hope he does not take a foot)!
Guess what, our 3-star 6-5 pleasant surprise Mike T. countered with thrice of that measure besides, Mighty Mike has a 7-1 wing-span might grow too!?
All the hot air, self-valuations, training, practices etc.. are on the line.
You are the well-informed Jury-penal >> Guilty or Innocent is on your hands.
You knew what to do; You know what you liked..
Wins negate all accusations; Hard-work accountability does not lie –
*** Credit to the INCOMPARABLE 17.
Unfortunately, there are times that the mean opponents, Sixth-men team.. too tough to overcome –
—- Blames only direct toward the responsible ‘Staffs’!
UHMBB junkies suffer the fix-denial consequences (lol)?
Someone once shared with me, “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” We maybe short on the prediction page, however, we’ll be LONG on the finishing page….ICHIBAN!
Polls are mostly based on last years stats. Plus last 10 years UH usually finished around the middle of the pack. So they are assuming that history will repeat itself. Even a 3rd grader could do those silly polls. What they don’t know is who’s playing this year. We need to win it all this year. Then those pollsters will really look like 3rd graders.
Will be telling, how UH MBB team does in BWC conference play. They picked by experts(?) finish 6th, well they can finish first , or win BWC championship instead of pre season favorite UC Irvine. How do we know, just ask Dave Shoji and Wahine VB team, they lost in 5 at Cal St. Northridge! The number 8 team in the land , in women’s VB…sheesh.
So, lesson learned, BWC play, and doing well, any team, including UH can do it. UH MBB team, as we have stated before, keep working, get better each day, game to game, month to month, and peak in March for BWC tournament.
Same with WVB, Now they can still do it, however, they are now not looking from the top.from the rest of the pack….Hope the best for all UH athletics teams this year. We want, UH athletics around for years to come, hopefully!
Go UH teams, do your best!
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guess iʻm now getting irritated at the general Lack of Respect … Lower Half?
although i donʻt really expect the other teams or their media to remember, the ʻPrimaryʻ Reason UH didnʻt do even slightly better (#3 or #4 instead of #5) was the injury of Two Starters — Vander and Spearman — without either loss, UH would likely have finished Above #4/#5 …and Spearman returns
SO WHY would they think UH ʻdropsʻ to #6 with TWO All-Conference Returning Starters and 3 or 4 overall?
i hope the Team feels as Motivated as i do to ʻput them in their placeʻ…
They can do A Lot More About it…
Eagle: Pretty much consensus on this forum, and others, UH MBB team doesn’t get respect. In fact most UH sports teams don’t by those on “the Continent”!
The guys, definitely know about the 6th pick. A lot of us here , well at least about a thousand who saw the Green Black scrimmage on Sat Oct 19th could see, much, much more potential. I mean, it is like night and day from “Vander”s inside out team of past few years. The athleticism, the better guard play, the beast like play of Isaac and Christian, The move the ball around, find open guy mentality.
UH team, all possible 15 or 16 active this year, go out and prove the naysayers wrong, just win as many as possible, stay healthy, whether, Dyrbe starts, and 4 others, or Fotu and the rest, it doesn’t matter, the best way to garner respect from BWC , and whatever , maybe Pac 16 move in future, just WIN!
Eagle, next week, exhibition against BYU-Hawaii, should be good primer. Then, one week later, BOOM!, start of season against a very athletic Tenn. St. team. Simple, UH play hard , together and win. The final respect, in March 2014 will be there, if you guys are champs of BWC!
Go Rainbow Warriors!
Academic IQ and BB IQ high. UH MBB team, is made up of those type of student athletes. LBSU might have all those D1 transfers, Irvine, might have the Rebounding Machine team, Santa Barbara is Alan Williams, 6’7″ post, however UH has “smarts”.
Remember the Celtics? From Russell, Cousy, KC Jones to Larry Bird, McHale, Parish , Dennis Johnson. The 1970 and 1973 Knicks?. The Bill Bradley, Willis Reed , Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere led teams. The UCLA great teams?. Lew Alcindor, Bill Walton, Keith Wilkes, Gail Goodrich, Dave Meyers, BBIQ and academic smarts. They won a lot of games. Of course they were good Basketball players as well, however, the IQ won games for them, sometimes, or a lot of times, upon winning NCAA and NBA titles, The BBIQ teams beat the superior athletic teams.
I think this year’s UH MBB team is like that: Great IQ on the court and in the classroom. Along with athleticism and physical ability, and team play, before self, UH will be alright!
BWC pre season poll, they can have it! UH MBB athletes, just be better , smarter, and ONE OHANA, and end up Numero Uno!
Great looker room material for the team. The last laugh will be on the Big West.
AYE! AYE!
Ai !! Ai !! (Strike in Hawaiian)
Her “WE” Come, BW…
I tell you fellow fans and Charles Anderson and Eagle, UH MBB team, plays that outstanding D, and just out work the BWC teams here and on the road, they have shot at BWC title and NCAA’s…
This team all 17, including RS NWC, on a mission to get to THE DANCE!
Go Rainbow Warriors!
Go Bows!
Gib(Geev Um) em team!
Get that top spot, and then…shhhhhh, quiet, the naysayers!
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Good read in the SA about UH being picked 6th. The team is united. Spearman says: “we are the best team in the BWC”, that is what they believe, and want to prove on the court by their play.
It is motivational. If UH did not have Christian Standhardinger , Isaac Fotu , Brandon Spearman, AND D1 transfer, with WAC experience as PG, Keith Shamburger, ALL 4 guys with 10 pt or more scoring ability, maybe UH belongs in bottom 3, however, I agree with Keith and Brandon, just have to prove it on the court. Win all the games at Stan Sheriff Center, and do well on road trips. The recognition and post season invites will come!
UH MBB Ohana , have a fantastic year. All of the long time and new fans, cannot wait for season to start in exactly 2 weeks! Wish it were tomorrow!
Uhfanzonly1. And Aussie Mum and Tonganator, your sons play a big role, as well as ALL of the other fine 15 on team, to help UH win a lot of games this year!
Polls are right on! UHMBB may come in 5th at best! They can not beat those top 5 tier teams in head to head matches, period. Yes, they need time to jell but they also need a great, game-time leader at the helm and I think they still do not have that critically important piece to even coming close to winning the conference.
Therefore, I predict another 16 -18 game wins at best (18 – 12). It is hard to change a zebra’s stripes – one must be willing to change and handle the pressure under game situations or they will revert back to old behavior! Pick a charity! Mahalo!
Hey, seems you are referring to two things, one 5th at best and two, have they changed? Believe they have changed, if it went unnoticed, they lost a host of players amid controversy. They added a proven PG w/ D1 experience and a very good SG from the JC ranks. They’ve almost retained two proven baseline battlers, who have demonstrated they can play in the BW. Not to be forgotten, a warrior in the guise of “SPEARman.” So, if the concern is change, what do you think? Has the team look changed enough? If, summer league and practices are any indication of handling pressure under game conditions, haven’t you observed improvement? I too, question the level of improvement but undoubtedly they have tremendously improved in this area. At the end of the day, it is okay to be realistic with a tinge of pessimism, but most on this site choose the high side. And this high side belief is grounded and founded on sound observations. This belief is also the difference between a winning attitude and one less successful. For any of those players who may read this blog, the want is to see support and a work in progress to be a success. -thanks
You’re Welcome, D…
YOUR Charity (NO Response when asked…) was The VERY Deserving WarriorInsider.com…
Also MY Preference… READY to Even Up?
This One’s On You… i Consider 19 a TIE…
20 or More to WI.com…
I ‘expect/suspect/hope’ they’ll Tie or Beat Head to Head At Least Three of the Other “Pre-Season Top Five”
To the Team
— Like You, we’re lookin’ for better —
Ideal: Strong Start, Strong, Steady Middle, AND Strong Finish!
For Most Every Game (where possible) BUT Also for The Overall Season
Seniors, Juniors, even Under-Classmen, Every Day make it Happen
With or Without Reasons or Rhymes, Injuries or Health, Better than Worse…
Knowing Full Well (showing them the Respect Not Received by The Muddya)
That The Opposition is Workin’ Their’s Off, Too…
Workmanlike, Fired Up however you need to Together…
Intensity Beyond Your Opposition
That’s A Discipline, That’s A Choice…
CAN Anyone Match Your Intensity?
Dallan=Oahuan=hawaiifan09?
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Dayton moderates this great fan site. Awhile back he mentioned how consistent our comments were. I believe he means positive supportive. I believe tako and Eagle both of you are. If we something really wrong,illegal or abusive we would say. This team Is Different. from last few years in a Good way!!
I believe the guys are going to be much better, probably a couple more games or more better.
The team are One Ohana, to negative forum people..well …look at the bright side..guard rotstion upgrade and the aforementioned 4 guys with proven D1 experience. I don’t know if the other” fans” have ever seen this team. in person? I have…team athleticism so much better! !
UH MBB will do good.they are on a mission = NCAA’s, they can get there no question! !
It sll begins in 2 weeks!! Cheer them on!!
Go Rainbow Warriors! !
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I meant. The 3 , h___, D_____,O____, those 3 fans!! Dayton and WI , they do a fantastic job with video coverage of MBB ,for those that are not able to see team in person, this site is the best!!
Team will be better, (sorry about above typos!!)the 4 D1 experience guys plus, GN,Q,AV and MT, and whole team! !
Season starts on march towards March Madness!!
Go Rainbow Warriors! !
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Agreed Eagle: The UH MBB schedule, that Rainbow Classic lineup, and what they did last year, the RPI’s, the type of teams, Tenn. St., NMSU, athletic teams, good test for UH. As Jackson W. mentioned, if UH wins, gets to 3-0 after that Classic,wins the tournament, UH off to good start.
Tough road game against Mizzou, however, good for UH MBB team to get that game and Northern Arizona road game under their belts before BWC play. If UH goes 1-1 on that swing, great!
The Diamond Head Classic, very competitive, UH somehow can win it, go 3-0 against quality opponents, maybe even against Oregon St. coached by Obama’s brother in law, better yet.
UH MBB team, aside from comments by Dallan and others, who say no improvement, UH recruits, disappointig, etc., I liked what I saw on summer league, open gym on WI site with Dayton reports, and finally live and in person, got to scratch down notes, of Green White Scrimmage.
Christian: Hi , Super charged Motor, has that warrior mentality, does not like to lose. has to work on his FT shooting as do all the guys. Very sure, Christian, going that hard to hoop, will get fouled a lot.
Isaac: lost ten pounds, very lithe frame, long arms, soft hands, can get up there, block shots, probably has to be more of a beast on the boards, set for a great sophomore campaign!
Keith: A floor general, owned up to 4 TO’s during first half scrimmage, second half USA vs World, 0 Turnovers and 6 assists!
Nevels: Nerves, first scrimmage, second, more relaxed and just played ball! He is going to have to get used to playing D1 ball, however he has Keith and Spear that will help him. Nevels, provide added firepower, to the rim, mid range floater and 3 ball.
Spearman: THE GLUE, the guy is steady, very steady, does everything, rebound, defend, assist, shoot it, get up and down, smart BB dude!
Mike T.: he is getting better day by day, he will play, he does not want to sit this year, be part of active roster to make some noise in post season
Aaron Valdes: first scrimmage, nerves, and timid, defer to older guys, however in second scrimmage, just played ball, very smooth, for his height, with super hops, a good rebounder!
Mike T and Aaron V were surprises to me, probably to the coaches as well, their development, has really shot upwards, after summer time. Look for good things out of those twin Freshmen!
Quincy Smith: Played very well in first scrimmage, under control, head up , looking for open man, went to basket 2 times, and scored layins, one over Rozitis, Q is getting better as well, pleasant surprise, not the one man gang of summer league team, he is now playmaker , floor leader and team player. Keith and Spear will help him too.
Love when they had 3 guards , Sham, Nevels, Spear or Sham, Smith, Spear or Smith, Nevels, Spear, any combination along with Thomas and Valdes, very athletic and quick team.
So in answer to Dallan, unless he is watching the guys improvement from summer till almost start of season, definite improvement. The stable of guards, Shamburger, Smith , Nevels, Enos and Spearman, VASTLY improved from last 3 years Gib Era.
Conclusion: Team athleticism, much, much better, the returning PF’s Fotu and Standhardinger improved too. The team is still working hard in class and on the court, we all expect better season, I think coach and the 17 guys on roster, expect nothing less, go for the BWC title!
Go Rainbow Warriors!
And Eagle, tako, FUHA, servante, n2joy, jjay,DK, etc, all the faithful contributors, UH MBB team has potential to be better this year. Enjoy, should be exciting!
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Hackman and Enos, very good form 3 ball shooters. Definite improvement on 3 point shooters available for team. Last year, very streaky guys tried to shoot 3 ball, not consistent, or guard was reluctant to shoot. IMPROVEMENT in 3 point shooters.
Harper, Jawato, Hackman, more of a hybrid 2/3 or SF, they rebound, play physical, D up, run, and can spot up and shoot. Improvement in that 3 spot, along with Aaron V, who is quite versatile. Probably more, scoring out of that 3 spot, than just having Hauns, last years 2/3(though, always loved Hauns attitude, great young man and UH graduate!).
So Dallan, no improvement? Well , unless I were watching another team at the SSC on Oct 19 2013, it looked to me, that UH MBB team with possible 9 more additional active roster guys added to returning 6, there is much more IMPROVED, athleticism, hops, team speed, handle, D, rebounding, the Rainbow Warriors, look like a competitive D1 team, with GUARDS, that will shoot it and go to the hole!
Improvement on 17 wins, definitely, Team, and all the fans, including Dallan, hfan, and the rest, we ALL want UH to win 20 plus and go NIT or better yet NCAA’s
hfan09, still awaiting the recruiting early LOI signees for Nov 2013, Flemings and ? SF or PF? Or as others say, we shall wait for 3/4 PF, super and SF great athlete, maybe spring LOI date!
Great time to be Rainbow Warrior fan, or as jjay says: It’s warrior time, and IT IS!
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Mahalo Thankyou Dallan, UH MBB team, the IMPROVED Version 2013-14 will be battling for the 1 or 2 spot, guaranteed, still think Gib has to keep at least 14 or better yet 15 guys active roster.
Sample units for Battle of BWC!
1)Shamburger, Spearman, Nevels, Fotu, and Standhardinger
2)Smith, Jawato, Valdes, Thomas, Rozitis
3)Enos, Harper, Hackman, Jovanovich and Dressler(hope the guy’s back is okay, man we need Caleb!)
Basically 3 groups. With length of season, and possible illness, and hope not! Injury untimely type, better to have a roster that is in system and ready to step up, THEN UH has the ability to really challenge for the BWC tourney and beyond.
Just a thought, Gib will decide, love the progress once again of MT and AV, and the surprising good shooting ability, at least at SSC in scrimmage of Hackman and Enos, very , very valuable to zone bust!
Go Rainbow Warriors!
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Apologies to our young PG from Cali with roots in Serbia! Niko Filipovich! Heard that he is back to practice, Niko, is a hi motor, floor general, who is not afraid to shoot it, So improvement once again Dallan, Thank you , Mahalo! Gib invited a great team leader, PG, a preferred spot walkon, great , great attitude, who knows, if circumstance, whether, Niko might get call this year or next, Niko I know is ready!
So Dallan, Mahalo and Thankyou to the Filipovich’s from Cali for allowing UH MBB team to have Niko’s talents, another good young student athlete, the team gets along, and they want to win.
Improvement in attitude versus the Vander led team of past 2 years, DEFINITELY!
Get better Niko, and when ready, if coach gives you the call, be ready to help UH MBB win a lot of games and go Dancing in March, and in years to come!!
Go Rainbow Warriors and Stefan and Niko, to best friends, and great Basketball warriors!
I like this team, the attitude, and THAT, Thank you, and Mahalo Dallan, is a Marked Difference between last year and this year. A winning attitude on court and in classroom, it can translate to a big winning season this year. once again, and yes, I do post other side too, BWC is not the SEC, Big 12, ACC or Pac 12, any one of 9 teams , get hot in March can win the BWC tourney and go to NCAA, Thank you and Mahalo Dallan, UH , the MUCH IMPROVED, overall athleticism and shooting team, has a good chance to DANCE. THANK YOU DALLAN, and Mahalo!
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As the point goes so does the team. Look at what Miah Ostrowski did when he started playing for Hawaii. They were a different team with him in the lineup. Just from the improved play from our point guards should give us an edge from last year. So I think 3 more wins is definitely doable. Also we are more athletic than last year and this usually transfers to defense too. I just think we match up with the Big West a lot better than last year. As for a go to guy it will be Isaac Fotu. His confidence is growing and is developing into a well rounded game with his front and back post moves and can also pop from deep. He is going to be a terror this year. If the team stays together and no injuries we got the makings of a championship team.
Soon, All this Good Fan Passion
and Team Talent, Effort and Teamwork
begins Converting into Bottom Line W’s and L’s…
(which they keep in the record book forever apparently, even Pitino’s)
and Then we’ll see ‘Just How Watchable’ this Team Can Be
like these past six months’ worth of videos
and just how Focused and Winning
This One ‘Ohana can be…
As Led by ‘The Coach’ and Staff
Who Will Take the Heat for whether The Team can consistently Win
AND Finish the Season Strong, Just About the Only Way ANY BW Team
(in Any Sport including Top Ten & Twenty-ers in VB & Softball)
Will Make A Splash(!)
Week by Week
Either Good to Great Successes and Wins
OR ‘Potential’ and Continuing Years’ Worth of Potential Disappointment
Still A Young Team, Only Five Upperclassmen? including Davis the Beast
and Nevels and Shamburger are “New” to the Team (but Really Good)
and we’ll see How Much Impact the 12 sophomores and freshmen can create…
we think Fotu, Quincy, AV/MT et al will make a Difference …
and IF they do, we can Diss the BW Media again, as we do & try today
[Yoda to No ‘Ohana: Do or Do Not, There is No Try]
in our indignant hail of blogs…
Great Site, Dayton…
All This for a hokey media poll?
Said the Good and Decorated Christian who shows what hard work really looks like:
‘We just gotta work hard and stuff like that doesn’t really matter…”
Amen to that …
Said the Third Senior Leader: Spearman (via BM)
“I believe we’re the best team in the Big West and we’re going to go out and show it.
I really don’t want to do a lot of talking because actions speak louder than words.
We’re going to let our game speak for us.”
Go Get ‘Em, Spear-man…
servante, your points are right on the money! I have high hopes for this team. I too think 3 more wins are definitely doable and if everything goes as plan I foresee this team winning the BWC and dancing in the NCAA. I see much improvement of our team over last year. Go Bows!
Ditto on Servante and 808Rock…
Go ‘Bows!
Well, At Least Now Caleb Dressler Knows what his Course of Action Needs to be:
Back Surgery (Ouch!) should help heal the bulging disk and maybe help long-standing stress fractures as well…
Have a Fully Successful Surgery, Caleb
Heal, Recover and Rehab — coming back stronger than ever,
without the nagging pain or The Risk of Greater Injury
We’ll look forward to seeing the maturer, healthier Caleb fulfilling his coach’s prophecy in spades:
“Our Center of the Future”
Hope Hawai’i’s good enough to and for you that Really, Six Years (and a Graduate Degree?)
will be a real blessing…
Not So Funny Yet but when you’re healthy and healed,
you can be our First Three-Year Freshman…
808rock, servante and Eagle, plus many more UH MBB fans, THIS particular WI UH MBB site, too many POSITIVE people contribute to let, a few, I can count 3 on one hand, that make NEGATIVE comments about fans, players, and program.
I too, try to stay Positive, UH team along with the ONE OHANA mantra, and in particular with the loss of Dressler, poor guy, after start of 2nd year at UH, will have to wait one more year, as you alluded to Eagle, a 2yr RS fr, with possiblity to be granted Medical waiver, a 6th year, and you are right, Caleb, just might have the back surgery, recover, for next year, if he is granted 6th, Caleb , if he is okay, could play just 3 yrs, and graduate , if he does well on court, go on to euro, overseas pro, if that is what he wants.
Glad that Caleb, and doctors, made decision fast. Surgery now. I have similar back problems, if you don’t take care early and maintain, chronic problems for rest of your life! Wish Caleb speedy recovery, he is a good one, I feel bad for him. Team is very close, hope that Caleb, after surgery will be there on bench cheering on team, he always has! One of the best of the ONE OHANA!
Eagle, love your haiku like comments as well as n2joy, and you are right, as well as others, by the play on the court, per Spearman and Sham, UH wins 20 plus and goes NIT or better yet NCAA’s, the media guys are wrong!
Many a team were picked throughout the country to finish bottom half to last, and sometimes, that team ended up conference champs with a chance to dance.
With the injury to Dressler, I say, Gib might just have to use everyone, everyone available, the 4 bigs plus MT will have to step up. Maybe a 15 man active roster, with an extra PG? we shall see.
Eagle, man oh man, season starts in less than 2 weeks, get ready to rock and roll!
Go Bows!
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Clarify my first comments, I meant, we can’t let 3 guys,or gals, give negative comments and spoil the POSITIVE vibe and consistent support we give to kids and program! Those negative naysayers, I hope, and I have seen at scrimmages, a much better UH team, to say they will win less than 17 games, well, it will fire up team even more,, how’s about 27 wins and NCAA bid!
Have a great season watching MBB at SSC, Eagle, you sure support the program, and give coaches, critique when needed, fellow fans, get ready, UH MBB team , they are ready..
Go Rainbow Warriors, win that BWC tourney and go to THE DANCE!
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eagle=uhfanz1only=playhoopsa=littlegirls
Weak …
are you unhappy that AV/MT WILL smell court time ?
Un-Like you…?
THEY Meet the Higher Standards…
Eagle, fellow UH MBB fan..
.kind of waste your “breath” or actually typing on PC or smart device, responding to hawaiifan09, Dallan and the like. You look at majority of posts, including Aussie Mum , Tonganator, Tribe V, Valdes ohana, very positive, The majority of ones posting comments WANT the guys to do well.
I think it is a commentary on life in 21st century, sad….some always looking for the negative in everybody. What gets me irritated, is when these so called, few word bloggers, say”no improvement”, team going to win 16 games, “recruit doesn’t meet up to MY standards”, …Whose Standards, Eagle you are correct, it is Gib and staff, they are accountable, because they are paid professionals. The student athletes , the ones on Scholie, are accountable, because of their defined roles and expectations for season. More kudos and props to preferred walkons, family footing the tuition. Incredible, and much thanks to their Ohana. As you, in past Eagle stated, most, I say MAJORITY of posts, very friendly, we banter back and forth, even if have slight difference of opinions, however , we are not going to bash the program, Coach Gib(unless he is going way off the deep end), and especially young 18 to 22 yr olds, who to a man, are working extremely hard! This team, meets, my not so lofty standards as great representatives of UH and MBB! Bet that Dallan, hawaiifan09, will not, you won’t here a kind word from them, about loss of Caleb Dressler…you watch, Dallan and hawaiifan09, or the former Oahuan, no heart…we TRUE fans care about the young guys, and want them to do well. I don’t think team pays attention to these blogs. They want to prove it on the court and do well in classroom.
That is the acid test for hawaiifan09, Oahuan and Dallan, will they post HEARTFELT sympathies for Negus losing his two aunties? NO. Will they have compassion for Caleb’s health? NO., Some people live in the basement of negativity, WE, the Majority of UH MBB fans, new and old, want to take the HIGH ROAD,..Yes, Eagle, let those negative, low standard fans, live in THAT world, pitiful.
The good part Eagle, UH first game very soon! Sad, very sad about Caleb, I have been singing his praises for 2 years. Wish him speedy recovery, and , he just might finish his degree in 4 years! Then he can relax and just play ball, Get well Caleb!
Eagle, fight the fine fight for UH MBB, the only NCAA D1 MBB program in the middle of the Pacific, team will be much better, and have legitimate chance to dance. Hfan, Ofan, and Dfan, can stay in back of the pack.Mahalo. to Dayton, for moderating! We try, the Majority or contributors to KEEP POSITIVE, not dump on the student athletes.
Go Rainbow Warriors, and Eagle, hang in there, love your posts, wherever they might be, solid and positive!:D
Very soon Eagle and fellow fans, Friday Nov 8 2013 at SSC first game of season, if you all can go, exhibition with BYU-Hawaii Oct 31 2013 SSC, good test!
Go Bows!
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Mahalo a thousand times over Dayton for Forum! All things UH MBB!
With your video and writeups, families, and as you mentioned before, even young, very young fans check out our posts. What we comment on, can have effect on possible recruits!
We want to be real, true, not Kool Aid drinkers, however, for we WI Ohana nation, want to promote UH, and the young guys on team now. Very sure, the Thomas’,Valdes, Fotus, Standhardingers , Nevels’, Smiths’ etc, appreciate, good words we have for their sons.
Some contributors, I guess freedom to express, however, it is a Fan driven forum, so with some posts, I don’t get it, “this guy will not smell court”, “this recruit, doesn’t measure up”, “16 wins or less because no improvement”..very sure, those fans, are not at SSC. The die hard, and true will follow online, cable, and most importantly , along with the Manoa Maniacs, be rooting on a very hard working and athletic team. Now, Eagle, and servante, FUHA, n2joy, al , jjay, warriorhaw, gobows, and so many more UH true fans, that I forgot, sorry about that!…UH MBB team, ready to prove on the court, that they are winners!
Go Rainbow Warriors!
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started watching basketball like many others, since the Fab 5, way back when… still remember seeing quality guards like Aaron Strayhorn, Clarence Dickerson and Mr Steady, Henry Hollingworth..back in the day. However, this day we really have a bunch of Q-guards and good baseline players. It’s been a while since we’ve seen this level of talent on the court at one time. All’s that can be said, is to hitch up your horses and enjoy the ride.
Sorry you have to miss another season Caleb. Us fans were so looking forward to see you play. Just heal up and workout at what you can. You are going to be unbelievably important next year. I know it will be a struggle to sit out another year but I believe you have the fortitude to keep your spirits high and support your teammates in any way you can.
TRUE … it will fall much onto Fotu, Jovanovic, Dresssler (Again Next Year as a First Year Player…), Thomas, Negus and Any Bigs Recruited to ‘Replace’ departed frontliners Standhardinger, Rozitis and Vander before them…