Warrior Insider

There was only one current player from the University of Hawai’i basketball team who participated in the playoffs of the Hawaii College Basketball Summer League.

Gibson Johnson now has a championship to show for it.

Johnson, an incoming junior forward for the Warriors, scored 19 points and was one of the key performers in helping lead Electricians Hawaii to a 91-70 victory over Chosen Few in the Summer League’s title game at Maryknoll School.

“It was fun to come out and compete against some guys, and get to know more people,” Johnson said. “It’s a great environment here, and I’m always down for some competition.”

Former UH-Hilo player Aukai Wong scored 30 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead Electricians Hawaii to its second consecutive Summer League championship. Oscar Pedroso added 10 points, and Derrick Low and Kona Makaula added nine points each, as Electricians Hawaii pulled ahead early and never relented.

‘Iolani graduate Kyle Pape led Chosen Few with 18 points, and former Damien/Hawai’i Pacific player Kawika Smith added 15.

Electricians Hawaii, which is coached by former UH player and current television commentator Artie Wilson, has won four of the last six Summer League championships.

Johnson, a transfer to UH from Salt Lake Community College, did not start the game, but scored 13 of his points during a first-half surge that helped Electricians Hawaii build a 44-20 lead at halftime. He connected on 6 of 7 shots from the field, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range.

“I grew up a guard, so shooting 3s was something I did growing up, but then to expand my game and to expand my game and become a college basketball player I had to learn to play inside,” he said. “That’s how I see myself helping Hawai’i – on the defensive end, but also scoring on the inside and stretching the floor.”

Last season, Johnson was a starting forward for a Salt Lake Community College (Utah) team that won the junior college national championship.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a sore loser, but I’m pretty close,” he said. “I really don’t like losing.”

Johnson and Mike Thomas (one game) were the only current UH players to appear in the Summer League this year. He said conflicting workouts, staying injury-free, and transportation were just some of the reasons why the UH players were not able to show up more often.

However, he did add that the Warriors have been training daily in preparation for the 2016-17 season.

“Lot of skill development, lot of conditioning and weights,” he said. “Exactly what you need to be doing in the off season.”

CLICK HERE for more information on the Summer League, including extended video highlights

(Photo courtesy www.hawaiicollegebasketballleague.com)

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REST IN PEACE, MRS. NASH

Domelynne Nash, who passed away last Thursday in California, was indeed a significant member of the University of Hawai’i basketball ohana.

She is the wife of Bob Nash – one of the most legendary names in UH sports history as a “Fabulous Five” player, longtime assistant coach and former head coach. She is also the mother of Bobby Nash, one of only 16 players in UH basketball history to score 1,000 points as a UH player.

But she was much more.

When Bob Nash was the head coach of the program, Mrs. Nash would show up after weekend practices with baked goods for the players – and anyone else who happened to be at those practices, whether it be fans, media or campus employees.

Regardless of what was happening on and off the court during those years, she was always positive and supportive.

Personally, I had the privilege of being invited to the Nash home for a meal – exquisitely cooked by Mrs. Nash. The beauty of the home, the politeness of the children – Bobby and Erika – and the kindness of the entire family were all a reflection of her.

If more mothers and wives could be like Mrs. Nash, this world would be a much better place. She will be missed.