Tuesday, March 31, 2009

BOWL PROBE IN HOLDING PATTERN

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

It's hard to believe, but the state Ethics Commission is still in the process of investigating whether laws were violated during the University of Hawaii football team's appearance in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2008.

That's more than a year ago, and the commission's probe has been in progress for more than 10 months with a report on its findings expected until May or June, at the earliest.

At question is whether state employees, guests, and others who received tickets, hotel rooms or flights served a legitimate purpose by being in New Orleans on the school's dime.

UH has provided the names of nearly 600 people who formed the official travel party for the Sugar Bowl. The university said it paid nearly $2 million for the group, which included the team, coaches, band members, officials, family members and some guests. Those guests are at the heart of the probe.

Meantime, UH fans also are in a waiting mode regarding the exact dates for this year's conference football games.

In an eight-game WAC schedule, UH plays four home games and four away. Hawaii will host Boise State, Fresno State, New Mexico State and Utah State, and is scheduled to play at Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Nevada and San Jose State, though dates have yet to be announced.

Don't blame the school or the WAC for this delay. The holdup is with ESPN, which hasn't informed the conference about which games it intends to pick up for national television coverage.

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Monday, March 30, 2009

HOPES 'SPRING' ETERNAL AT UH

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

The University of Hawaii football team kicks off spring football drills today, and second-year head coach Greg McMackin is promising a more wide-open approach in all three phases of the game.

Of course, what you hope for now and what you actually do when the season actually rolls around in the fall are two very different things.

Particularly, for a program that had the dubious distinction of leading all Division-I teams last year in most penalty yards per game (78.4) and sacks (59). As a result, UH finished with a 7-7 record, including a blow out loss to Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl.

Unlike last season, when there was so much uncertainty about whom would end up succeeding the record-breaking Colt Brennan, the QB situation is stable.

Greg Alexander is the clear-cut starter at that key position after the coaching staff had to retro-fit the offense on an almost weekly basis depending on who was going to get the starting call. Inoke Funaki, who started six games at the position last year, isn't even listed as a QB on the spring depth chart. He instead will split duties at tailback and in the slot.

On defense, McMackin plans to revert to the aggressive style that has been had been his trademark during a long career as a defensive coordinator. And a similar approach is projected for special teams.

But we'll have to see if the hopes of spring turn into reality when UH starts playing for real.

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Asia new ruler of baseball world

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

Just because England invented the sport and is the home of the world's greatest soccer league doesn't mean England has the best players, are proven repeatedly in recent international competitions.

And just because the US invented the sport and is the home of world's league doesn't mean that US has the best players, as underscored by the Americans again falling short in the World Baseball Classic.

Americans like to call it our national pastime. Fans in the Caribbean call it their passion. But it certainly seems as if the real center of the baseball world is not located in either of those traditional regions.

Instead, that distinction could belong to Asia based on its dominance in recent international events.

In fact, Japan will be seeking to defend its World Baseball Classic championship today when it meets archrival and reigning Olympic gold medalist North Korea in today's title game at Dodger Stadium.

Daisuke Matsuzaka started and pitched effectively for 4.2 innings while receiving excellent offensive support as Japan eased to a 9-4 semifinal victory over the US.

The Americans led 2-1 going into the bottom of the fourth inning when Akinoi Iwamura's RBI triple sparked a five-run outburst against US starter Roy Oswalt. And when the US closed the gap to 6-4, Japan tackled on three more runs in the bottom of the seven to seal the deal.

South Korea is coming off an impressive win of its own, having defeated Venezuela 10-2 in Saturday's semifinal.

So the US and Venezuela joined the likes of the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada on the sidelines while two teams from the other side of the world are playing for the title in a sport the left-outs claim to be theirs. Maybe it isn't, anymore.


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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

SMALL SCHOOL MAKES BIG NOISE

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

By virtue of playing in Division-II, the BYU-Hawaii basketball team is one of the better-kept secrets in local sports.

In sharp contrast with D-I University of Hawaii, which struggled to a 13-17 mark, BYU-H has quietly gone about a truly remarkable season.

Did you know the Seasiders are 27-1? That they've won 24 straight games and are third-ranked nationally?

Or that they will be hosting a Sweet Sixteen round game tonight in Laie against Cal Poly Pomona following earlier tournament victories over Humboldt State and Cal State Dominguez Hills?

The Seasiders have a decidedly international flavor. Lucas Alves, a junior big man from Brazilian, is the team's leading scorer and rebounder, recently earning West Region first-team honors.

Tsung-Hsien Chang, who goes by the nickname of Jet, is a 6-3 freshman guard from Taiwan who provides instant offense off the bench and is averaging 12.7 per game.

The roster also includes players from Fiji, Canada and St. Vincent. And, let's not forget, a player from Molokai with a familiar last name.

Trenson Akana, a 5-10 senior guard, is averaging 12.5 points in a starting role for the Seasiders.

Two of Trenson's older brothers – Jarinn and Brandyn – formerly played for BYU-Hawaii, with Jarinn eventually finishing out his career at UH and Brandyn now serving as an assistant at BYU-H.

BYU-Hawaii started the season by beating defending national champ Winona State (Minn.) twice. After losing to Washburn (Kansas) in December, BYUH has reeled off 24 straight wins. The Seasiders won the PacWest title with a 12-0 record. And then continued the trend with sub-regional wins over Humboldt State and Dominguez Hills.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

BIG GUYS GET THE GOLD

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

You may have heard this joke before. The one about the Golden Rule? As in, he who has the gold makes the rules.

It was precisely that kind of mindset that resulted in only four schools from smaller conferences receiving bids to the NCAA tournament. Or, to put it another way, 30 of the 34 at-large bids went to programs from the six largest conferences.

That continued a trend that has seen the number of mid-major schools receiving invitations to the Big Dance dwindle since the high-water mark earlier this decade. Mid-majors earned 10 at-large bids in 2003 and 12 in 2004. Since then, the number had fallen to nine, six and six before Sunday.

The selection committee chairman said, "We look at teams, not a conference."

Really? It sure doesn't seem that way. Not when 21 of the selected teams – seven each from the Big East, ACC and Big Ten – came from just three conferences. The Pac-10 and Big 12 were not far behind with six bids each. Only the SEC lagged, with three bids.

Xavier and Dayton from the Atlantic 10, Butler from the Horizon and Brigham Young from the Mountain West were the only mid-major schools to receive at-large bids.

Meantime, Saint Mary's (West Coast), Creighton (Missouri Valley) and San Diego State (Mountain West) were among those left on the outside.

Here's how badly things are stacked against smaller conferences: It's a good thing Utah State beat Nevada 72-62 for the WAC tournament title, improving its season record to 30-4. Had the Aggies come up short, they probably would have been relegated to the NIT despite a 29-win season.

Think that's an over-statement? Remember that just a few years ago Utah State was left out of the dance despite being ranked among the nation's Top 25 teams.

So when you are trying to figure out who the NCAA bid process really works, just remember the Golden Rule.

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Thursday, March 5, 2009

LUNAS, SPARTANS LOSE OPENERS

By Fred Guzman
ESPN.550

It is up to the champions – Baldwin in Division-I and Molokai in D-II – to salvage a
measure of respect for the MIL in the state high school basketball tournaments.

Both teams – each seeded fourth in their respective divisions -- open their bids
with quarterfinal games scheduled for 5 p.m.

Baldwin tangles with Kaimuki, which advanced with a 76-60 win over Kea'au, at
McKinley. Molokai meets Pahoa, a 48-45 winner over University High, at
Farrington.

The Molokai game will be aired live on ESPN 550. The Baldwin game will be
televised on OC-16.

Both of the league's runnersup suffered losses in first-round action last night on
Oahu.

Victimized by 31 turnovers, D-I Lahainaluna suffered a 60-50 setback to Iolani
despite 16 points by Reimers Pinho's and 13 by TJ Rickard.

Some hot early shooting kept D-II Seabury Hall in the game. But Kailua picked up
the pace after intermission by dominating the boards and forcing the Spartans
into numerous turnovers, growing a 38-33 halftime lead into an eventual 77-53
victory. Phelan Pagano's 15 led Seabury.

As a result, both teams were relegated to the consolation bracket, each playing at
3 p.m. today. The Lunas meet Campbell at Radford and Seabury faces Hanalani of
the Big Island at Kalani.

OTHER RESULTS: In D-I: Punahou beat Campbell 51-32 and Kalaheo routed
Radford 62-36. In D-II: Roosevelt defeated Hanalani 52-37 and Kapaa topped
World of Live 66-58.

The other D-I seeds are No. 1 Kamehameha, No. 2 Kahuku and No. 3 Waiakea.
The D-II seeds are No. 1 Castle, No. 2 Kohala and No. 3 Hawaii Baptist.


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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

STATE BOYS HOOPS TOURNEY

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

At the risk of sounding pessimistic, it's hard to project the MIL's four representatives in the boys' state basketball tournaments that tip off tonight on Oahu matching the success of their female counterparts.

For those with short memories, Molokai became the first MIL team to win a state hoops title by beating Kamehameha-Hawaii for the D-II title. The Lunas gave an excellent account of theselves, finish third in D-I.

Both of the MIL boys champs – Baldwin in D-I and Molokai in D-II – are off tonight after being seeded fourth. The open their bids during Thursday's quarterfinal rounds.

The MIL runnersup – Lahainaluna in D-I and Seabury Hall in D-II – are in action tonight. Both games will be aired on ESPN 550.

Lahainaluna, a team with athletic ability but prone to erratic play, faces a huge challenge in its 5 o'clock opener against Iolani at Radford High. The winner will earn a shot at third-seeded Big Island champ Waiakea.

Seabury Hall, a young team that started well only to be overtaken at the tape by Molokai, tangles with Kailua in a 7 o'clock game at Farrington. The winner will face third-seeded Hawaii Baptist.

On Thursday, Baldwin meets the winner of Kaimuki vs. Kea'au in 5 p.m. quarterfinal game at McKinley. In D-II, Molokai faces the winner of University High vs. Pahoa at 5 p.m. at Kalani.

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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

RETURN OF THE PRO BOWL

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

Reports of the Pro Bowl's permanent departure from Hawaii were premature.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority – under pressure from fans and politicians – apparently will reconsider and approve an offer to host the game in 2011 and 2012.

The proposed deal would bring back the game for those two years, although it would be played on the Sunday before the Super Bowl, which means the top players from the league's top two teams would not be available.

Also, the HTA will have to pay $4 million instead of the previous $4.5M to host the event.

FREE AGENTS: The NFL's free agent market officially opened for business a minute past midnight, EST, on Friday. And several of the highest-profile players have already reached agreement on their respective deals.

Topping the list is former Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who signed a monster seven-year $100 million contract with Washington that includes $42 million in guarantees.

Prized wide receiver TJ Housmandzadeh left Cincinnati and passed on an offer from Minnesota to sign with Seattle.

Lured by the opportunity to play for Rex Ryan, his former defensive coordinator at Baltimore and now head coach of the Jets, linebacker Bart Scott bolted for New York. Dallas defensive end Chris Canty signed with the New York Giants.

Several others re-signed with their current teams: cornerback DeAngelo Hall with Washington, linebacker Johnathan Vilma with New Orleans, veteran center Jeff Saturday with Indianapolis and quarterback Kerry Collins with Tennessee.

There are still several high-profile free agents available, but none is more intriguing than Kurt Warner. After receiving a low-ball offer from Arizona, Warner in serious talks with San Francisco.

The Niners are open to giving Warner a market value contract – two years at $14 million annually – worthy of a guy who took the Cardinals, of all teams, to within one late drive by Pittsburgh of winning a Super Bowl.

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Monday, March 2, 2009

MIL GIRLS EARN RESPECT

By Fred Guzman
ESPN550.com

As the state girls' basketball tournaments tipped off last week, we noted that the MIL, whose champions were relegated to No. 4 seeds, had to earn respect the old-fashioned way – on the court -- after years of coming up short in their annual visits to Oahu. And the two teams did just that.

Molokai rode another exceptional outing by Kalei Adolpho to become the first MIL girls' team to win a state title with a 45-42 victory over Kamehameha-Hawaii in the final of the D-II tourney.

Lahainaluna gave top-seeded Punahou all it could handle in the semis and had to settle for a third-place finish in D-I following a 56-52 win over third-seeded Farrington. Milika Taufa led the Lunas with 22 points while Maika Vierra added 18.

Adolpho, a 6-1 sophomore center, scored on a put-back basket with 12 seconds left, capping a sensational performance in which she finished with 21 points, 19 rebounds and six blocks.

Molokai's defense also play a huge role in the title game, holding Kamehameha without a basket in the fourth quarter as the Farmers rallied from a six-point deficit going into the final period.

Adolpho was equally dominant in the semifinals with 16 points, 25 rebounds and seven blocks in a 45-37 win over Kapaa.

Konawaena, featuring a starting lineup of three freshmen and two sophomores, captured the D-I title with 54-50 double-overtime victory over Punahou as fabulous freshman Lia Galdeira had 23 points, nine rebounds and four steals.

BOYS HOOPS: The girls rose to the challenge last week. Now it's up to the boys' representatives to alter a recent trend of frustration for MIL teams at the state basketball tournaments.

Both of the MIL champions – Baldwin in Division-I and Molokai in D-II – were seeded fourth in the tournaments that tip off Wednesday at various locations throughout Oahu. Both teams will draw first-round byes before opening their bids on Thursday.

Baldwin will meet the winner of Kaimuki vs. Kea'au in 5 p.m. quarterfinal game at McKinley Gym. In D-II, Molokai will face the winner of University High vs. Pahoa at 5 p.m. at Kalani.

The MIL runner-ups begin action on Wednesday, with Lahainaluna challenging ILH power Iolani in a 5 p.m. game at Radford High. In D-II, Seabury Hall will tangle with Kailua in a 7 o'clock game at Farrington.

The other D-I seeds are No. 1 Kamehameha, No. 2 Kahuku and No. 3 Waiakea. The D-II seeds are No. 1 Castle, No. 2 Kohala and No. 3 Hawaii Baptist.

BASEBALL: Pearl City erupted for six runs in the top of the ninth for an 8-2 extra-inning victory over Kaiser in Saturday's title game of the 34th annual Maui High Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The host Sabers edged Iolani 8-7 for third place. In other final-day results, Waiakea beat Baldwin 7-6 and Kamehameha-Maui topped Hilo 7-4.

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