West gives Warriors legit middle threat

Hawaii volleyball player Nick West has sported Wolverine-like mutton chops.

He wears above-the-knee shorts that appear to be hemmed by John Stockton. After matches, he sometimes wears a coat, tie and board shorts.

His biggest statement is making the Warriors’ middle attack trendy again.

Entering Friday’s match against his former team — second-ranked UC Irvine — West is averaging 2.17 kills per set, the fifth-best average for a UH middle since the NCAA implemented the rally-scoring system in 2001.

His hitting accuracy of .470 is second to Joshua Stanhiser’s .490, in 2004, for a full-time middle.

The past two seasons, with the pin hitters taking most of the swings, the UH middles were decoys. This season’s improved passing provides Sam Biscaro the option of quick sets to the middles. West, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, is averaging 3.6 swings per set. In the past four matches, West has emerged as a go-to attacker with 2.29 kills on 4.06 swings per set.

“I’m not complaining,” West said. “I’m definitely happy with touching the ball as much as I can.”

UH coach Charlie Wade said, “He’s doing a good job.”

West was an offensive threat during his two years of practices at UC Irvine. After the 2011 season, West and Anteaters coach John Speraw discussed the blueprint for the future.

“He had different plans for my future than what I wanted to do,” said West, who then sought a release.

UH had recruited West when he was a high school senior in Orange, Calif. This time, West contacted the Warriors. The NCAA allows first-time transfers to play without sitting a season.

“I like those guys a lot,” Speraw said of West and opposite attacker Taylor Averill, who also transferred to UH. “I’m happy they found a place. They’re good volleyball players. It’s good to see they’re having good years.”

Speraw said he enjoyed West’s unique style.

“He has his own personality,” Speraw said. “He’s his own man. He’s pretty comfortable being that person. I respect that. Nick is a good guy.”

West said the reunion match will not be different from facing any other opponent.

“Instead of playing with those guys, I’ll be looking at them from the other side now,” West said.

Wade said West and Averill were not asked to contribute to the crafting of the game planning.

“It’s like me going to Pacific,” Wade said, referring to his previous job as the coach of the Tigers’ women’s team. “I just know where to park and where to go to lunch. It’s not helping when you’re in the match.”

West added: “People have been talking about my knowledge of the (UCI) team. I haven’t been around that team all year. It’s a different group of guys. My personal relationship with those guys would help with heckling, but unfortunately I won’t be able to heckle this (match).”