Isaac Fotu erased any final doubt — he’s left Hawaii to become a professional. The loss of the all-conference forward, sealed with a statement released Monday, ensures UH will have a much different look not just on the bench in the looming 2014-15 season, but on the hardwood as well. Acting head coach Benjy Taylor will have to find new (and perhaps creative) ways to replicate Fotu’s efficient production, starting with Thursday’s exhibition vs. Hawaii Pacific University at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Fotu practiced just once with the team after head coach Gib Arnold and assistant Brandyn Akana were fired last Tuesday. The native of Auckland, New Zealand, was particularly close with Akana, who was instrumental in his recruitment to UH.
He would have been a junior this season, but uncertainty hung over him since the Arnold firestorm. Fotu would have had to sit a still-unknown number of games after being deemed ineligible by UH in advance of the NCAA’s release of the findings of its investigation into the program.
But that’s not why the fro-sporting fan favorite left, he claims.
Fotu’s statement read:
"After much thought and discussions with my family, I have decided to forgo my last 2 years at UH, and pursue a professional basketball career.
"This was not an easy decision. I came to Hawaii to play for coach Gib and coach Akana, both were instrumental in me growing as both a person and basketball player. I believe this was going to (be the) best season yet.
"I’ve turned down opportunities to (turn) pro every summer because returning to Hawaii was an easy decision, but now, with the program headed in a different direction, I believe it’s time to chase the professional basketball dream, and hopefully help support my family.
"In regards to my ineligibility announced last week, which by the way had no bearing on my decision, I have hired an attorney to help clear my name, if and / or when any accusations are released by the NCAA.
"I thank all my teammates (brothers) at UH, and mostly the fans of Rainbow Warrior basketball. The people of Hawaii have welcomed me since the day I arrived, and all that aloha made my stay enjoyable. I enjoyed every minute I got to represent the University of Hawaii and I will look back at many wonderful memories.
"Aloha ‘oe, until we meet again!"
Taylor, who on Monday had what he considered his first real practice since taking over, did not comment on Fotu’s statement.
With Fotu’s departure combined with the loss of freshman forward Sammis Reyes — who requested his release from the program on Friday — UH is hurting for help in the frontcourt. Small forward Aaron Valdes tweaked his left ankle Monday and was sidelined. Missouri transfer Stefan Jankovic, a 6-foot-11 power forward, is ineligible to play for the first 10 games of the season.
Sophomore forward Mike Thomas said the team will be ready to play for Thursday, but acknowledged the loss of Fotu looms large. He thought the team can still reach the potential it showed prior to last week’s commotion.
"Just as long as we have heart, and as a long as we don’t go out there and give up or lay an egg or anything," the 6-8 Thomas said. "We still gotta play hard. There’s still a season to be played."
The team went through some new sets Monday. Taylor said he told the team his starting five and rotation for Thursday, but wasn’t ready to divulge it to the media.
He said he will look to go eight-deep in his rotation.
"We’re a different team now," Taylor said. "The way we played a week ago was built for that team. The way we play now has to be built for this team. We certainly can’t play the same way. But we still can win games and we still can be very, very efficient. We still can be fun to watch. The kids bought in. … It was a good day."
Taylor in talks with Jay
Taylor is eligible to receive a bump in pay with his rise from associate head coach to acting head coach. His current salary is believed to top $130,000.
Athletic director Ben Jay said Monday, "With the added responsibilities we’re discussing (an additional stipend). I have not determined what that might be. I quite frankly haven’t had a chance to sit down with him yet."
Taylor is also in the process of filling two vacant assistant coach positions. UH first-year administrative assistant Brandon Loyd is expected to be elevated to one of those posts.
