Follow the Rainbow Warriors during their historic trip Down Under as they enjoy the majesty of Australia and play a series of exhibition games against professional, semi-pro and amateur squads. The tour will take UH to Brisbane (Aug. 9-11), Melbourne (Aug 12-14), Canberra (Aug. 15), and Sydney (Aug. 16-18).
Stay up to date with the "Warriors Down Under" all trip long through the official Hawai'i men's basketball social media accounts on Twitter (
@HawaiiMBB), Facebook (
HawaiiBasketball) and Instagram (
@HawaiiBasketball)
HONOLULU, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 10:50 a.m.
The Rainbow Warriors—16 players, coaches, support staff, and a handful of family members, roll out from the Stan Sheriff Center to embark on their 10-day Australian adventure. The 'Bows arrive at the airport ready for a 9-plus hour flight directly to Brisbane, the first stop of their four-city tour down under.
BRISBANE, Thursday, Aug. 9, 7:15 p.m.
After a smooth and painless flight over the Pacific, the team arrives at Brisbane International Airport and adjusts its clocks to Thursday with a full 20-hour time difference. It's already pitch dark outside, signaling a transition from balmy Hawai'i summer conditions to the Australian winter season. The temperature though is pretty mild – in the 60s – with Brisbane expected to be the warmest stop of UH's tour.
The team grabs a quick bite of fast food near the airport before an hour-long bus ride to the team hotel, getting in a little past 10:30 p.m. Time for some shut-eye after a long day of travel. Tomorrow the team will get a morning practice in, before the enjoying the sights in its first full day in Australia!
BRISBANE, Friday, Aug. 10, 6:45 a.m.
With the 20-hour time difference most of the team is already up at the crack of dawn and ready to attack their first day in Australia. Players and coaches head downstairs— some hitting the fitness center, others to eat breakfast — in advance of morning practice.
Friday, Aug. 10, 10:45 a.m.
The Rainbow Warriors arrive at Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium around 20 minutes from the team hotel. The gym is sandwiched between the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Center, a hub for the area's youth sports squads, and Metricon Stadium home to the AFL's Gold Coast Suns. Though it's not the gym UH will be playing its exhibition vs. the Brisbane Bullet on Saturday, the 'Bows get in an energetic and much-needed 90-minute session after yesterday's long travel day. A number of Aussie youths look on with a mix of curiosity and excitement.
Friday, Aug. 10, 2:30 p.m.
After practice a number of players take advantage of the hotel hot tub before eating a late lunch. Senior
Trevor LaCount, meanwhile, is the lone wolf and heads down three blocks to the shore where he steps on the powdery sand of the Gold Coast and musters the courage to jump into the winter waters.
Friday, Aug. 10, 7:00 p.m.
The Rainbow Warriors take a 30 minute walk down the road to Cavill Ave in Surfer's Paradise a bustling area of shops, cafes, and nightclubs. There the team enjoys a dinner of pizza and pasta at a local Italian restaurant. After dinner,
Brandon Thomas is serenaded by his teammates and coaches on his 20
th birthday. A great way to cap a fantastic opening day in the Gold Coast.
Saturday, Aug. 11, 9:00 a.m.
Sophomore wing
Samuta Avea on UH's stay thus far.
What are your first impressions of the Gold Coast?
The architecture of Gold Coast is very cool and I still can't over how cars drive on the opposite side here.
Have you eaten any of the local food?
I had a meat pie from a convenience store right near the airport right after we landed in Brisbane. Jack made me buy it, since it's one of his favorites. It was different for sure, but I would eat it again.
How did the first practice go?
It was a great first practice. Our energy was at a very high level and we all knew we needed a crisp practice since we won't get many out here.
What do you except from tonight's game?
I expect a physical game against a really good team. I know they have probably been playing together for a long time so it will take a great team effort. Should be a really fun game.
Do anything cool since you've been here?
Walking the streets of Surfers Paradise down to the shopping mall at night was cool, there were lots of lights and different stores I haven't seen before. Probably going to check out the beach today.
What are you most looking forward to the rest of the trip?
I'm super excited to go to the AFL game in Melbourne. Mate and Jack have told me a lot about the atmosphere and crowd so I look forward to experiencing that.
Check out more from Samuta during his @HawaiiBasketball Instagram takeover....
Saturday, August 11, 12:00 p.m.
Players and coaches have the day to wonder on their own and many go shopping, walking around Surfer's Paradise and cruising by the beach A total of more than 30 boosters and fans traveled with the team and a number of them elect to a river tour where they the beautiful homes, buildings and nature of the city. Can't say enough about these dedicated fans who traveled the long distance to support the team!
Saturday, August 11, 4:00 p.m.
The team departs the hotel up north toward Brisbane for a 90-minute bus ride to the campus of Churchie Grammar School, one of the elite private schools in Australia. UH arrives around one hour before tip and enters Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex to get ready to take on the NBL's Brisbane Bullets.
Saturday, August 11, 6:30 p.m.
Prior to tip off, the teams exchange gifts while Aussie natives
Mate Colina,
Owen Hulland, and
Jack Purchase get a warm reception during team introductions. The Bullets are coached by Andrej Lemanis, who also heads up the Australian national team.
Saturday, August 11, 8:30 p.m.
The 'Bows fall to the Bullets, 73-54, but have a solid experience by facing a full-fledged Australian pro team. The players thank the 30-plus boosters and fans who traveled to Australia, and a special fan in Clarence "Pop" Dickerson, a former all-conference UH guard who remained Down Under after a pro basketball career. The teams share a meal after the game giving UH head Coach
Eran Ganot a chance to catch up with Coach Lemanis as well as current Bullets and former Saint Mary's players Matt Hodgson and Stephen Holt.
More than 30 UH fans and booster are on the trip to support the 'Bows.
Former UH guard Pop Dickerson at the game vs. Brisbane
Sunday August 12, 6:00 am
Time to leave the Gold Coast. The team bus rolls out early in the morning for the Brisbane Airport and a two hour flight to Melbourne, the second stop on UH's four-city tour. Hard to leave as beautiful a place as the Gold Coast but it was truly and enjoyable weekend there.
Sunday August 12, 11:30 am
The team touches down in Melbourne and steps off the plane to find the winter weather that evaded them in the sunny and warm climate of the Gold Coast. Temperatures are in the 50s, yet it's still a pleasant arrival in a place consistently selected as one of the most livable cities in the world.
Sunday August 12, 3:00 pm
Footy time! The team and a handful of boosters head to MCG Stadium for an AFL game between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans. Many in the travel party have been looking forward to the event and it doesn't disappoint. Nearly 51,000 are on hand in the massive stadium with everyone keeping an eye on the Swans' Buddy Franklin who
Mate Colina describes as the Lebron James of the AFL.
Sunday August 12, 7:00 pm
Following the game it's time for a team dinner at the Purchase family home hosted by Jack's parents Nigel and Simone. The Colina family is also on hand to welcome home Mate. And for the second straight night a former UH player stops by to support the current crop of Rainbow Warriors. Honolulu native Brad Pineau, who played under Larry Little, during the early 80s, came Down Under to play professional basketball 36 years ago and is now a Melbourne resident and Australian citizen. It was an incredible feast and a good time for all.
Trainer Jayson Goo with former UH center and Melbourne resident Brad Pineau
Monday, August 13, 9:30 a.m.
Senior forward Jack Purchase on his Melbourne homecoming.
How was your first day back home in Melbourne?
It was great. Loved having the boys check out some footy. I've been showing the boys it for the last 3-4 years on TV and now they actually got to see it live. Had a good dinner at home with the team, a little Aussie barbie, some pies going around it. Mum put in a lot of work all week to get ready for it.
What's on tap for today?
We're going to the aquarium, graffiti lane, and maybe get in some shopping, then rest a little before the game.
What do you expect from tonight's game vs. Melbourne?
It will hard to tell since they just ended their season and they'll be drawing some players from other teams. But it will be great to play against some of my old mates and some of my cousins. Looking forward to having family and friends there. It should be good atmosphere.
What else do you want to show the team in Melbourne while your here?
Probably go to the Skydeck and give them a view of the whole city, go to South Melbourne and MSAC (Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Center). It's just cool staying right here in the city. It brings back a lot of memories growing up and catching the tram.
Check out more from Jack and Owen Hulland during their @HawaiiBasketball Instagram takeover....
Monday, Aug 13, 10:30 am
The 'Bows are sitting in the middle of the downtown Melbourne on Flinders St and there's no shortage of things to do and see. Sea Life Aquarium Is just two blocks away and the team takes the short jaunt over. It's an impressive aquarium with sharks, giant crocodiles and something you won't find in Hawaii – penguins. After that, the team heads down the bustling city blocks to immerse themselves in the countless cafes and shops while also taking in the incredible street art on Hoiser Lane.
Monday, Aug 13, 7:30 pm
UH plays its second game of the tour vs. the Melbourne Tigers of the SEABL. It's a special game for
Jack Purchase who played club basketball for the Tigers and now faces his cousin and current Tiger Mason Gaze. Also on the Tiger roster is Jakob Corneilissen who was a member of UH's 2015-16 Big West champion and NCAA Tournament squad. Melbourne native
Mate Colina also has a big support crew on hand. In all, more than half of the 350 fans are friends and family of Mate and Jack. The Tigers end up winning in a game that came down to the final possession, but UH had its share of highlights, including a beyond half-court, third-quarter buzzer beater by
Sheriff Drammeh.
Tuesday, Aug 14, 10:00 am
No rest for the weary. The morning after its tight loss to Melbourne, the Rainbow Warriors get a weight lifting session in, walking a few blocks from the hotel to the Fight Club, a local gym Following weights, the team has a 90-minute film session. After dropping its first two exhibition games in Australia, the team has much to improve on despite enjoying Australia off court, remain dialed in for their remaining two games.
Tuesday, August 14, 2:00 pm
Graduate assistant Garrett Jackson played pro ball in Melbourne before coming to UH and absolutely fell in love with the city in his two years there. He's excited to show the guys around and serves as the de facto tour guide for a second straight day as the team shops at Melbourne Central, roams Degraves St, one of the Melbourne's numerous vibrant laneways, and catches the (free!) tram around the city.
Graduate assistant Garrett Jackson - the master of the laneway.
Tuesday, August 14, 6:15 pm
Two nights ago the team enjoyed a great team dinner at the Purchase family home. Now it's Melbourne's other favorite son who plays host as Mate Colina and his family bring the team as well as the traveling UH boosters and fans to the Hrvatski Dom Croatian House. Mate is a third-generation Croat and his dad Ivan (who was professional soccer player in Australia) and mom Ana are proud to serve the party a fantastic array of Croatian dishes. One thing is for sure: the team has eaten well on this trip!
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 8:45 a.m.
After an enjoyable two-plus days in Melbourne, it's time to leave. The 'Bows board the bus for Melbourne International Airport for a short one-hour flight to Canberra, the third city in their four-city Australia tour.
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 11:45 a.m.
The team lands in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. UH has a short turnaround, arriving at the hotel at 1:00 p.m. with its game vs. Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence coming up in a little more than four hours. Time for the players to eat some lunch and get a couple hours of rest before the game.
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m.
The Rainbow Warriors come out with loads of energy, lead by as many as 20 points and picks up a 70-52 win over the COE. So much for the quick turnaround. Former COE standout
Mate Colina puts the hurt on his former teammates with 14 points, will fellow COE alum
Owen Hulland adds 6 points and 6 assists.
Thursday, Aug. 16, Canberra, 8:45 a.m.
The team leaves the hotel and heads to the Australia Institute of Sport where they get a tour of the training facility that was recently the home of Mate Colina and Owen Hulland. At one time it was the hub of Olympic training for a variety of sports. The UH stay in chilly Canberra is short. In all, the 'Bows are in Canberra for less than 24 hours, the quickest stop in their four-trip tour, but it's a productive stop at that, including its win over the COE the night before. Now it's time for a four-hour bus ride to Sydney.
Thursday, Aug. 16, Sydney, 2:15 p.m.
UH arrives at their final destination of it tour and Sydney greets the team with some perfect weather – sunny and 70 degrees. UH heads straight to Wild Life Sydney Zoo where they get to see kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils and a host of other cool creatures from Down Under.
Thursday, Aug. 16, Sydney, 4:30 p.m.
The team checks into its hotel in "The Rocks," the oldest part of Sydney, filled with cobblestone streets and numerous historic buildings. It's a great location, just a short walk to the Sydney Harbor with the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. With an early tip on Friday – 1:30 p.m. local time —the team has an early night and gets some rest for its final game vs. Sydney Kings.
Thursday, Aug. 16, Sydney, 7:00 p.m.
Junior wing player
Brandon Thomas on UH's Aussie Tour so far:
What was your experience like in Melbourne?
I really enjoyed Melbourne. We had two of our teammates, Mate and Jack, that were from there as well as "G "(Garret Jackson) to show us around, so it really had a home-like feeling. I don't go out much, but during this trip my mom told me to sight see and enjoy it, so I did. I particularly liked Hosier Lane which had all the urban art.
What's the most interesting thing you've learned while in Australia?
Something that has stuck to me was how many hidden stores and businesses they have in Australian cities. Multiple times we came across random alley ways and underground stairways with restaurants and stores.
How did your game vs. the Centre of Excellence go?
That game was good for us. The gym was like an ice rink, it was cold and slippery. But we came together as a team and had to bring a lot of energy throughout the game to stay warm. This game brought us together even closer. Our bench was extremely involved and every player who stepped on the floor contributed. There's mistakes in every game and I was proud of how the guys responded when the other team got within five and how we pulled away.
What are your first impressions of Sydney?
Sydney has been the most eye-opening place for me. It really feels like I'm in in a different country in this city. It's really beautiful in Sydney. I could probably live here or in the Gold Coast later in life.
Friday, Aug. 17, 11:15 a.m.
The 'Bows leave their hotel for a 35-minute ride outside of downtown Sydney to Abbotsleigh College in Wahroonga for a closed-door contest vs. the NBL's Sydney. On the bus ride, former Sydney King and current UH graduate assistant Garrett Jackson gives some last minute scouting tips to the coaching staff. Sydney is likely the best team UH will face thus far.
Friday, Aug. 17, 3:10 p.m.
The final buzzer sound off and UH falls to the Sydney Kings, 82-65. Despite the final score the team acquitted themselves well against a talented Kings squad, trailing by just three points with less than eight minutes remaining. Following the game
Jack Purchase catches up with Kings center Dane Pineau, a fellow Melbourne native and the son of former UH center Brad Pineau.
Melbourne mates Jack Purchase and Dane Pineau meet up after the game.
Friday, Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m.
After the game, the team has a meal of ribs and burgers at a restaurant across the street from the team hotel. With their four games behind them, the players have the night free to do as they wish. Tomorrow the team has the Sydney Tower and a harbor cruise on tap in the final day of their Australian adventure.
Saturday, Aug. 18, 12:00 p.m.
The team's last day in Australia has arrived and the plan is to do some Sydney sightseeing. First up is 20 minute walk to the Sydney Tower. There the team gets a great panoramic view of the city from the second tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Once back on street level the team takes some time to enjoy the various street entertainers performing throughout downtown Sydney.
Enjoyed some majestic views of Sydney from the 2nd tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. 😳#HawaiiMBB #WarriorsDownUnder 🌈🏀🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/d5o95n9PVx
— HAWAII BASKETBALL (@HawaiiMBB)
August 18, 2018
Saturday, Aug. 18, 2:15 p.m.
The team hits the water for a two-hour Sydney Harbor cruise which gives them incredible views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge while also learning about the culture and history of Sydney. It's a sunny day, yet it soon turns overcast and blustery. Still, an enjoyable way to spend their final hours in Australia.
Saturday, Aug. 18, 5:00 p.m.
After the cruise the players and staff have a short time to get a bite to eat before heading to the airport. Senior
Trevor LaCount and few members of the staff get in one last Australian meal -- a array of kangaroo, crocodile, octopus, and lamb skewers. Delicious!
Trevor digs into a kangaroo skewer.
Senior guard Brocke Stepteau looks back on the Rainbow Warriors Down Under:
How was your Australian Tour experience?
The trip was a great experience. Spending this much time with my teammates and coaches has built up our team chemistry and unity a lot and its only August. The sites and cities we got to see were something I won't forget and I've definitely gained a lot of memories from this trip that'll last a lifetime.
How was the competition and how did you think the team fared in its four exhibition games?
The competition was very high level throughout the tour. We played against grown men who are professionals and it made us elevate our game and toughness in order to compete. We also played against some of the best young talent Australia has to offer as well. I think we had some bright moments and things we can build on as positives for the upcoming season. We also saw where our weaknesses are at this point and now it's our job to get back and work on them over the next couple months before the seasons starts.
Which was your favorite city?
My favorite city was Melbourne. I used to live and spent a lot of time growing up in New York and that is my favorite city in the world. Melbourne reminded me of New York City a lot and so I had a connection to the city that made that part of the trip very enjoyable for me.
What were the best things you did during the tour?
The Gold Coast which was a cool experience. It doesn't compare to the beaches in Hawaii in my opinion but it was cool to see and spend some time there. We got to tour the Australia Institute of Sport which was something I had never even knew about before. Seeing how some of the best young athletes in Australia train and live on a daily basis was cool to see. Lastly, the cruise ride in Sydney I enjoyed a lot. Being on the water and getting to see a lot of Sydney from that perspective was a good way to end our trip.
What do you think will be your most lasting memory of the tour?
I'm a very reflective person so being able to sit on the railing for the cruise tour in Sydney for a few hours and just have some quiet time and think a little bit and enjoy the sites of the city was a very lasting memory for me. Also getting our first win, one of many to come this year, was a great memory to share with my brothers.
Brocke enjoys a moment of peace in the Sydney Harbor.
Saturday, Aug. 18, 8:30 a.m.
The 'Bows arrive at their gate at Sydney International Airport for a Hawaiian Air flight to Honolulu. It's been a great trip, but everyone is happy to heading back home to Honolulu. The players have a day and a half to recover with school starting up on Monday. And while the Aussie trip is over, the memories will last forever.
