Hawaii guard Garrett Nevels is shooting for something more.

Be it the Rainbow Warriors’ 2-2 record, his defensive abilities or a (rare) missed 3-pointer, the junior marksman is dissatisfied with the status quo.

Nevels is simply not used to losing — he was part of an undefeated California junior college state championship team at Mt. San Antonio College last season — so the ‘Bows’ current two-game slide has him in an unusual spot.

UH will look to get back in the win column against Hawaii Hilo at 7 p.m. Thursday.

"So far, I don’t think we’re doing bad," Nevels said. "But I think we have a long way to go. We can get a whole lot better. It’s a long season; we’ve only played four games. So I mean, shoot, I feel like we should have won the last two games (95-88 to New Mexico State and 92-80 vs. Missouri). I’m mad we lost, but I’m not really worried, because there’s so much time left. We still can really grow as a team. I feel like the more we work hard together, just keep practicing, keep playing games that we’re just going to keep getting better and better."

It’s hard to better what Nevels is doing from beyond the 3-point line at this early stage — 60 percent (12-for-20). He is second among five ‘Bows averaging double-figure scoring at 15.5 points per game and is second on the team in assists with nine.

Nevels has been an integral part of an overhauled, faster-paced UH offense that’s predicated on allowing space for mobile big men Christian Standhardinger and Isaac Fotu to operate.

He’s nailed at least two treys in each game so far.

"Well, you can’t leave Garrett alone on the 3-point line," said Standhardinger, the team’s leading scorer at 17.0 per game. "So that obviously opens up some space for me and Fotu and I’m very grateful and thankful for that because I didn’t have that last year. That’s what he brings to the team and that’s what he does."

His stroke is incredibly consistent. He doesn’t get huge elevation on his jumper, but releases the ball quickly with the ball extended more in front of his body than the average player.

"When I was younger, this might be crazy, but I used to look at Kyle Korver because I knew he could shoot," Nevels said. "And then of course Ray Allen. Kobe. The good shooters in the game. Just noticing what they do in different situations and everything."

When a defender overplays him around the perimeter, Nevels will put the ball on the floor once or twice and look to lob a floater over opposing big men.

At Mt. SAC, Nevels led his team in rebounding at nearly six per game. He still hunts for boards and blocks among the trees, though at 6 feet 2 and 190 pounds, he’s at a significant disadvantage against most foes.

"I just like doing that kind of stuff because I’m shorter than them," Nevels said. "So I mean, that’s just exciting for me that I can pull off a play like that."

UH coach Gib Arnold has been thrilled with Nevels’ offense and wants him to hunt out his shot, as he did with 21 points in the second half against New Mexico State. He’s also been trustworthy with the ball in his hands; the shooting guard didn’t have a turnover this season until committing a single giveaway in the Missouri loss.

Arnold is decidedly less enthusiastic about his defense, but believes Nevels has the tools to turn that around.

"It’s something that he can get better at," Arnold said. "He’s got great feet, he’s got great athleticism. There’s no reason why he couldn’t be our best defender. But he’s gotta accept that role, and that’s the next natural jump from JUCO, from high school to Division I. To where those guys have always been scorers, all of a sudden they’re being asked to guard. They’re playing against a guy who’s just as athletic. Gotta pick it up. And he can do that, and we’re asking him to do that."

During a 10-minute conversation, defense was one of the first topics — and it was broached by Nevels. He spoke earnestly of giving more effort on the cusp of his 21st birthday next week, when his parents will come watch him play against New Orleans.

Then he was asked to rate his own defensive progress against his offense.

"Ohh, man," Nevels said with a rare smile. "I think my offense is definitely better than my defense. But my defense will get better. I’m going to keep working on it and it’ll get better."

His major is sociology. But by his own estimation, he’s not the most social guy. He was the lone athlete in his family growing up in Los Angeles.

"I’m definitely more of a quiet person," Nevels said. "I kind of stay to myself. That’s pretty much it. … Not on the court; I’m a different person. Off the court I’m really more quiet, kind of. Unless I really know somebody."

His reserved nature might help explain why he didn’t get much of a Division I look out of Palisades Charter High School, even with solid stats and grades. He didn’t play AAU ball, where many players are seen.

But there’s been a lot to like so far as the Hawaii basketball community gets to know Nevels, who regularly can be found shooting baskets in gyms by himself.

"I’m just going to keep working hard to really improve," he said.