HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i men's basketball coach Eran Ganot announced the signing of guards Matthew Owies and Drew Buggs to national letters of intent for the 2016-17 season. Both join the 'Bows as true freshmen.
 
"It's always a great day when you can announce the additions of two very special people and future leaders to your program," said Ganot of his two signees. "Drew and Matty exemplify everything you want this program to be about. Simply put, they get it. They are about all the right things on the court, off the court and in the classroom. Not surprisingly, they come from tremendous families and from successful basketball programs. They understand and appreciate how special Hawai'i is and embrace being pillars in the community. We're looking forward to following their progress this year and can't wait for them to join us next fall!"

With the signing of Owies (6-0, 180 lbs), Ganot continues his efforts to bring in Australia's top-tier talent. "Matty is a true floor general and has an innate quality to lead," praised Ganot of his soon-to-be point guard. "He is highly respected by his peers and for all the right reasons. His competitive drive and his commitment to improvement are contagious. Also, his experience with the Melbourne Tigers program and his many opportunities to represent his country at national youth events has proven invaluable."
 
Owies is currently attending St. Kevin's College in Melbourne and has made his mark nationally for the Melbourne Tigers and internationally playing on the Australian national team. This past summer, his U20 Victorian team won the gold medal at the Australian National Junior Championship and in 2014 he guided Australia to a silver medal finish at the FIBA U17 World Championship in Dubai. That same summer he won gold at two national tournaments with Melbourne and, in winning the Victorian Junior Basketball League title, averaged 26.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 4.0 points per game in the final series.
 
"I chose the University of Hawai'i because it seems like the perfect fit for me, as the style of play that the team is going to be running really suits the way I like to play," said Owies. "The culture that is being created by Coach Ganot and the other coaches, which is one of hard work, always having each other's backs and winning is one that I wanted to be a part of. I can't wait to be able to help the team win and get to the NCAA tournament again."
 
Buggs, a 6-2, 175-pound combo guard from Long Beach, Calif., is currently attending Long Beach Poly High School. He helped his team to a CIF title in 2013 and, in his junior year, put his versatility on display averaging 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Buggs also showcases his skills for Earl Watson Elite, one of the top AAU programs in the nation.
 
Ganot is excited about all his future star will have to offer. "Drew brings great versatility in his ability to play both guard positions on both sides of the ball. He is dedicated, determined, and has a bright future.  He has always been someone who can fill the stat sheet and do anything and everything for the team to be at its best. His leadership has been exceptional for his highly successful basketball program in Long Beach Poly and the Earl Watson Elite program."
 
"I really liked Coach Ganot and his staff," said Buggs. "They were straight forward with me and I liked the vibe that I got from the team and program as a whole when I was out there. I believe they are building something special and I'm excited to join the Hawai'i basketball family."