In one sense, the biggest addition to the Hawaii basketball frontcourt has been there and done that.
In another, Mike Thomas has still got everything to prove.
“Super distant,” Thomas recalled of the 2015-16 run to the NCAA Tournament second round, when “The Rock” was the starting power forward and glue guy. “It was a great go, the memories are still there and everything, and obviously I can think back to the performance against Maryland (19 points and 11 rebounds). In my mind, I haven’t proven anything. In my mind, that was one game. I still have a team to lead and help get there. I’d rather this year be the thing people remember me by.”
Coming off an injury redshirt season, the 6-foot-7 Thomas is poised to break out as a featured player for the first time in his five-year career. He’s put in the work on the court and in the weight room, and it’s shown over the course of six weeks of preseason practices. With an improved offensive touch to go with his established defense and rebounding prowess, Thomas’ previous season bests of 7.9 points and 5.6 boards per game figure to fall by the wayside.
But Hawaii has everyone else coming back at the 4 and the 5, too, most notably senior Gibson Johnson and his 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds. The seasoned Johnson, at 25 years and nine months of age, is the second-oldest player in D-I college basketball this season, and still punishes opposing centers with guile to make up for his 6-8 height.
Capable “stretch 4” Jack Purchase (9.6 ppg), who canned 72 3s as a Big West honorable mention last season, could be the odd man out of the starting lineup but should get the green light to shoot plenty coming off the bench. Or, the junior could play at the 3 as part of a larger lineup and showcase his above-average passing.
“I think everyone’s going to get their chances,” said assistant coach Marlon Stewart, who oversees the bigs. “It’s going to be different nights for different guys. I think the beauty of it is guys don’t have to play a ton of minutes (as few as 22 for the starters). The other guys can get shots. And if they’re playing well that night, they’ll play a little more, play a little less. Because really the whole deal’s about, how good can you be playing in March?”
The sophomore reserve bigs, 6-10 center Ido Flaisher and 6-7 banger Zigmars Raimo, put in considerable offseason work on their bodies.
They could see increased time in the event of fouls or injuries.
Trevor LaCount, a 6-7 transfer from Ventura College, tried out with the team in the fall and was granted a walk-on spot. He provides scout team support.
