As far as pure power forwards go with the 2010-11 Rainbow Warriors, the buck stops with one man.

"Dollar" Bill Amis (6-9, 235) has embraced new Hawaii coach Gib Arnold’s methods and schemes, and is poised for a huge senior year coming off a missed season due to injury.

Arnold likewise seems ready to get the most out of Amis in their only year together.

"I think he’s driven right now, and he wants this to be his best year of his college career, and I can feel that from him," Arnold said. "I’m going to rely a lot on Bill. Even though he’s new to me, just as everyone is new to me. I’m going to rely on his maturity and his mental makeup to be a leader on this team."

After Amis averaged 10.7 points and 6.4 rebounds two seasons ago, he appeared ready for a breakout year at this time in 2009, only to be derailed by a torn plantar fascia in his foot during the team’s second exhibition. Amis eventually elected to redshirt 2009-10 instead of forcing a questionable return during Western Athletic Conference play, and now looks the better for it.

He’s stronger, jumps higher and shoots farther than at any previous point of his UH career, which started under Bob Nash in 2007.

In UH’s burgeoning transition game, Arnold wants his 4-man to pull up at the top of the arc, catch a quick pass and hit a 3-pointer in rapid succession. Amis complied over the offseason, adding the shot to his arsenal that used to max out at about 17 feet.

"Pretty much the only spot I can hit (3s) from," Amis said with a laugh, "but that’s my shot.

"He also wanted me to work on getting fouled. In years past, I’ve faded away in the post. Now I’m trying to get contact and finish. Get to the free-throw line more."

With the power forward stretching the defense at the top of the arc, the idea is the floor opens up for the other players.

And, of course, the power forward needs to throw down near the basket. Amis’ vertical jump prior to his injury was in the high 20s; it’s now at 32. He exhibited some strong post play in the preseason and has gone hard to the basket.

There are a handful of players who ask thoughtful questions in practice that give Arnold pause, and Amis is one of them, making him a natural choice as one of three team captains (along with fellow seniors Hiram Thompson and Douglas Kurtz).

Sophomore center Vander Joaquim is a secondary candidate to play power forward, as are the three UH small forwards: Joston Thomas, Trevor Wiseman and Dominick Brumfield.