Brian Watamura and his father, Ed, enjoyed Hawaii’s 76-59 basketball win immensely. Brian’s brother, Alan, managed a smile even though his alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, was on the wrong end of the Rainbows’ latest victory Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

“I usually send my guys, as a reward,” said Brian, who is president of ARC, a commercial printing company, and has access to some courtside seats because of a business partnership. “But I’m jumping on the bandwagon.”

So are many others, as UH remains atop the Big West conference standings.

This was Hawaii’s 20th win, making it three seasons in a row to hit that mark. The last time a UH team did that was 66 years ago. What’s more remarkable — perhaps unique — is that the ‘Bows have done it under three different head coaches.

“Unbelievable. Ridiculous,” said the third of those coaches, current head man Eran Ganot. “This whole thing starts with good players. Their evolvement and their growth.”

Oh, and by the way, they’ve done it while the program was under NCAA investigation — a situation that still hasn’t been completely resolved.

Part of it is that old one about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Another aspect is these guys being smart enough to absorb what Gib Arnold, Benjy Taylor and now Ganot had to offer as coaches. Three distinct personalities, three different styles. Many young players wouldn’t be able to deal with it, but this group is obviously special.

Look at Quincy Smith. Knocking down those two early 3-pointers against the Titans while UH was jumping out to that 20-3 lead may have finally allowed him to shed that “can’t shoot” label from even the harshest of his critics.

OK, there’s still some work to do on free throws, but Smith was clearly more comfortable and confident with firing away. Previously he’d always look for a teammate even when he was wide open. This time there was no hesitation; not only did he make the shots, he looks like a shooter now.

“He’s a pleaser, so he’s always trying to take good shots,” Ganot said.

But now, Smith knows his shots are good shots.

“He’s been a little bit more aggressive,” the coach added. “He (still) does not take a bad 3.”

UH did not suffer a letdown against conference bottom-feeder Fullerton after Thursday’s successful battle for first place with UC Irvine. There wasn’t as much buzz on this night, but it’s an appreciative 7,027, and Rainbows basketball is a “thing” again.

The players say they’re getting more attention, on campus and off. And they mirror Ganot in their low-key appreciation.

“Very unselfish,” Ganot said. “With all the distractions, it continues to be about the team.”

If this team ever had an identity crisis, it doesn’t now. They’ve become supermarket-line famous, and beyond, approached by smiling strangers.

“They don’t mix up me and (Stefan) Jovanovic as much as before,” said Stefan Jankovic, who led Hawaii with 16 points.

They’ve come a long way, and people are getting excited about where they may finish.

And you know what? These big crowds must be making some money for the athletic department.

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at Hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.