HONOLULU – Former University of Hawai'i receiver Rico Bussey and center Taaga Tuulima have accepted invitations to the Hula Bowl all-star game, which will be played Sunday, Jan. 31 at Aloha Stadium.
 
The Hula Bowl is one of only two all-star games this year along with the Senior Bowl. Bussey and Tuulima are the only Rainbow Warriors to commit to playing in either all-star game. 
 
In his only season at Hawai'i after transferring from North Texas, Bussey appeared in eight games with 31 receptions for 274 yards and one touchdown. The Lawton, Okla., native had his most productive game in UH's season-opening win over Fresno State with eight catches for 86 yards. He scored his only touchdown of the season against San Jose State.
 
Tuulima was a three-year starter at center after joining the team as a walk-on defensive lineman. The 'Ewa Beach, O'ahu native started 36 career games at center and in 2019, earned honorable mention all-Mountain West honors and the team's Offensive MVP award. He started this season on the watch list for the Rimington Award, which honors the nation's top center and was UH's nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the nation's outstanding player who started his career as a walk-on.
 
The Hula Bowl has a long and storied tradition, dating back to 1946. The game returned in 2020 after a 12-year hiatus with six Rainbow Warriors receiving invitations to play in the game.