ESPN550.com
After compiling an 11-19 debut record following his belated hiring as head coach last year, Bob Nash is showing what he can do if given the time and opportunity to recruit.
The University of Hawaii basketball team improved to 5-3 last night and, again, a pair of talented newcomers from the junior college ranks played a key role in the victory.
The most celebrated of the pair is 6-foot-7 swingman Rodney Flemings, a highly touted prep player who spent one season at Oklahoma State before earning JC All-America honors last season.
Flemings was initially hampered by a tender ankle, but he's been living up to the hype as he has gotten healthier.
On Saturday, Flemings erupted for 37 points in a 75-55 romp past Eastern Washington, making 16 of 23 shots from the field. Last night, Flemings he scored 20 on 7 of 14 shooting and added seven rebounds in Hawaii's 85-75 win over Chicago State.
But the biggest star for Hawaii was forward Petra Balocka, who had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Balocka's story is also interesting. A native of Lithuania, he moved to the state – not the country – of Georgia to play his prep hoops and spent two seasons as a standout player at a Texas JC.
Hawaii now has an eight-day break before returning to action on Dec. 23 against UC-Riverside.
The Rainbow Wahine, meantime, are in the midst of a long layoff. UH won for only the second time in nine games on Dec. 7, defeating UC Irvine 74-46, and don't play again until Friday night against Washington State. Sophomore point guard Keisha Kanekoa led the way with a 19-point, 11-rebound, six-assist performance in the victory and was named to the all-tourney team.
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