HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team began fall practice on Wednesday ahead of their 2021-22 campaign. After months of conditioning and skill work over the summer, the Rainbow Warriors now ramp up preparation for its season opener on November 10.
UH returns two starters and eight letterwinners from last year's squad. Highlighting the returnees is senior wing
Samuta Avea who opted out of the 2020-21 season. The native of Hau'ula, O'ahu started 25 games and was second on the team in scoring (10.8 ppg) in the season prior.
Also returning is 2021 Big West honorable mention guard
Junior Madut. In his first season as a 'Bow, Madut averaged 10.5 points and 4.2 rebounds while also serving as the team's top perimeter defender.
UH welcomes six newcomers this year - three Division I transfers, one junior college transfer, and two prep players. The Division I transfers include
Jerome Desrosiers (Princeton),
Kamaka Hepa (Texas), and
Juan Munoz (Longwood), who boast a combined 228 games of collegiate experience.
The infusion of experience and talent elevates a squad that went 11-10 overall 9-9 in the Big West last year's COVID-abbreviated season. UH has finished with a winning record in five of six seasons under head coach
Eran Ganot and have never posted a losing regular-season conference record in nine seasons of Big West membership.
The Rainbow Warriors will face Chaminade in an exhibition on Monday, Nov. 1 before tipping off the season with Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic, Nov. 10, 11 and 13. UH will play in two other preseason tournaments – the Las Vegas Classic and Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, before beginning its 20-game Big West schedule Dec. 30 against UC Davis.
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