Warrior Insider

The University of Hawai’i basketball team might still be finalizing plans for a trip to Australia in 2018, but the unofficial tour guides appear to be in place.

At least three Australian players are expected to be on the 2018-19 Hawai’i roster, including Owen Hulland, who announced his commitment last week to play for the Rainbow Warriors. The 6-foot-11 forward is expected to sign a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period in November. He will be a freshman for the 2018-19 season.

“I think Hawai’i is becoming a hub for Aussie players because of the style of play and also because Hawai’i is such a desirable place to play,” Hulland said.

Hulland was selected to the elite Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence program in 2016, and recently played on the South Australia team that won the country’s U20 championship. He averaged 9.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the South Australia Metro U18 team in 2016.

“My style of play is pretty unique for a big man, from what I have heard,” he said. “I can play out on the perimeter and defend multiple positions.”

The website phenomhoopsreport.com described Hulland as a “versatile, skilled stretch 4 man” and compares him to Frank Kaminsky (former All-American at Wisconsin who now plays for the NBA Charlotte Bobcats).

Hulland made an official visit to Hawai’i several weeks ago, and knew almost immediately that it would be a good fit.

“I chose Hawai’i because I felt it was a great place with great people,” he said. “I felt that I would fit in easily and would ultimately be able to play in a system that is similar to my style of play.”

He added about his recruiting trip: “The main thing that stood out for me was just how open and accepting everyone was, everyone was like a family and it made me feel safe and almost at home.”

Fellow Australian Jack Purchase is a junior on the current Hawai’i team. Another Australian player, Mate Colina, is expected to join the team in December. Colina and Hulland are both members of the Centre of Excellence.

“Having those boys there didn’t affect my decision,” Hulland said. “Having them there when I go over will be a bonus for me. They’re both great guys and being with them will definitely help me fit in.”

Hulland is also looking to be part of a future winning tradition at Hawai’i. “My main goal at Hawai’i is to help get the team to the NCAA Tournament and get as far as we can and play the best schools in the country,” he said.

Here is video of Hulland playing in an Australia tournament earlier this year …