HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i Athletics Director Matt Elliott announced an agreement in principle on a contract extension for men's basketball head coach Eran Ganot. Both parties are working to finalize the formal agreement in the near future, ensuring the continued leadership of one of the program's most successful coaches.
 
"In navigating the transfer portal and new NIL landscape to lead UH back to the NCAA Tournament, Coach Ganot has proven to be the right leader for our future as we transition to the Mountain West Conference," Elliott said. "He has cultivated a 'student-first' philosophy and ensured our student-athletes excel in the classroom and the community in alignment with our department's vision for excellence."
 
"I want to thank President Hensel and Matt Elliott for the opportunity to continue leading this program and for their incredible support of our vision," Ganot said. "My family and I love this university and this community. We are eager to continue what we started here, building off our recent Big West Championship as we prepare for the exciting challenge of moving into the Mountain West Conference. I fully understand the responsibility that comes with guiding this program; our goal remains to win at the highest level and represent Hawai'i with pride. I also want to thank our fans—the best in the country—for their unwavering loyalty. We can't wait to see you back in the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center."
 
Since taking the helm in 2015, Ganot has amassed nearly 200 career victories, including three 20-win seasons in the last four years. This past season, Ganot led the Rainbow Warriors to a 24–9 record and the 2026 Big West Championship. He joined the legendary Riley Wallace as one of only two coaches to lead the program to multiple NCAA trips. Ganot's steady leadership has moved him into second place on the school's all-time wins list, trailing only Wallace, while he also boasts the best winning percentage of any UH coach in the collegiate era. 
 
Ganot made an immediate national impact in his debut season, leading the Rainbow Warriors to a school-record 28 wins, a Big West Tournament title, and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory—a memorable upset over California in 2016. That same year, he was recognized as the recipient of the Joe B. Hall Award, given to the top first-year coach in Division I, and was named the Big West Coach of the Year.
 
Beyond the win-loss column, Ganot has a track record of player development with numerous Rainbow Warriors earning All-Big West honors. His teams have consistently earned recognition for their work in the community, and he has made it a priority to re-engage the alumni base. In addition, the 'Bows have posted exceptional Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, frequently ranking among the nation's best, while setting multiple program records for team grade point average.

Since 2017, Ganot has also been a proud member of the NABC Coaches vs. Cancer national council. He has since earned the American Cancer Society's Honolulu Chapter Beacon of Hope Award in 2023 as well as the 2024 Coaches vs Cancer Champion Award for his tireless work in the fight against cancer.