Warriors practicing under the “new normal” guidelines
Basketball shoes? Check. Face mask? Check. Hand sanitizer? Check.
In this “new normal” world of safety and protection, practice preparation now includes unprecedented measures for the University of Hawai’i basketball team.
For starters, everyone who enters the practice gym must complete the proper screening process and paperwork to receive clearance to participate. All players must have face masks available during practices, except when they are actively participating in drills.
“Obviously, we have a lot of protocols, and we have even a lot of paperwork before we even come in (to the gym),” head coach Eran Ganot said. “But we understand why. It can be frustrating, but you have to understand the big picture.”
Coaches and other staff members wear face masks and gloves. Ganot said UH has been providing the personal protective equipment required at each practice session.
“Wearing masks and gloves is certainly different, but we have to follow it,” Ganot said. “We have to continue to demand it until we hear that we can loosen up.”
What’s more, the team locker room has been closed throughout the pandemic as part of the safety measures. The players can still have access to the training room and weight room before and after practices, but protocols are also in place in those areas.
“You’ll see sanitizers everywhere, and you’ll see breaks to sanitize pads and balls,” Ganot said. “There’s just a lot of protocols, I’ll put it that way. Like I said, we get it. We’re going to phase accordingly.”
It is worth noting that UH received an exemption from state officials to conduct full practice sessions. High school, youth and other recreational basketball teams are not supposed to be practicing in indoor gyms under the state’s current guidelines.
