Yet, despite losing seven seniors that accounted for 80 percent of the scoring and 64 percent of the rebounding, and despite there being no seniors on the current 15-player roster, there's a sense that the UH basketball team will be better this year.
We'll get a chance to see if that optimistic impression is correct as the Bows open the season by play three games in four days. UH faces USF on Friday night and then meet Cal State Fullerton on Sunday as part of the Tip Off Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Hawaii will then host Idaho State on Monday in a game that will start at 11 p.m. as part of ESPN's Tip-Off Marathon, featuring 14 televised games over 23 hours.
Much of the elevated expectations at Manoa revolve around the highly-touted Roderick Flemings – billed by Nash as the best UH recruit since Anthony Carter.
The 6-7 swingman was a first-team JC all-America as a sophomore last season at Weatherford College of Texas, averaging nearly 21 points, 12 rebounds, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 steals as a sophomore.
The top returning player – and only returning starter – is 6-9 junior forward Bill Amis, who is expected to dramatically increase on his 8.5 point and 4.6 rebound averages of last season. The top additions: Lithuanian forward Petras Balocka, forward Brandon Adams and point guard Hiram Thompson, returning from a two-year church mission.
My guess? UH, featuring a more athletic team and playing at a higher tempo, finishes with 17 wins and breaks even in the WAC. Not great. But a whole lot better than last year.
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