Gone for good

An awkward end to the Hawaii basketball season led to a conspicuous absence at the Rainbow Warriors’ postseason awards banquet on Wednesday night.

Senior center Vander Joaquim was a no-show for the banquet, his first chance to publicly show face since he stormed out of the Stan Sheriff Center in frustration during the second half of UH’s season-ending 69-65 loss to Air Force in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament on March 20. UH closed the season on a four-game losing streak to finish 17-15.

However, it was revealed at the banquet’s conclusion that Joaquim was invited to play in the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Virginia for college seniors, April 10-13, and departs imminently.

UH coach Gib Arnold and Joaquim’s teammates struck up a conciliatory tone at the banquet and have moved past the Air Force incident.

"I haven’t spoken to him," said Arnold, who was out recruiting from the end of the season until Tuesday. "I know he’s been going to class and stuff like that. You know, there’s no hard feelings. I know he was upset about it, about the game and how the game was going."

A couple days after the game, Joaquim messaged the Star-Advertiser, saying that, "I felt really disappointed. It’s been a frustrating season. Before I made my decision in coming back (for his senior season), it was because I had a better expectation going into this season.

"Overall, I’m happy to play for the University of Hawaii and this chapter is closed. I’m looking forward to my next chapter."

At the banquet, Arnold said to a round of applause: "I want to make sure we remember Vander as one of the best players to play at the University of Hawaii."

Forward Christian Standhardinger, an All-Big West Conference first-team selection, was named the team’s Art Woolaway Most Outstanding Player after averaging 15.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Joaquim averaged 13.8 points and 8.2 rebounds en route to Big West honorable-mention honors.

Standhardinger said the team was taken aback when Joaquim walked out of the tunnel with about 15 minutes still to play after picking up a technical foul and talking briefly with Arnold. Joaquim, one of three team captains, was widely criticized by UH fans in the days since.

"I just saw him walking out and I thought he had to use the restroom real quick," Standhardinger said. "I found out later that was not the case. Of course we all were surprised. We all know he’s a good guy. It’s very, very tough on you mentally in the season, and I hope people understand that."

Joaquim is one of only 15 1,000-point scorers in program history, and is third in total rebounds. He desires to play professionally in the NBA or overseas.

"Honestly, he’s old enough to make his own decisions," guard Brandon Spearman said. He didn’t want to say more on the subject.

Junior center Davis Rozitis, Joaquim’s backup, was the team’s Defensive Player of the Year. The team used him at the top of its "point zone" in several games.

The Academic Award went to senior swingman Hauns Brereton. Most Inspirational went to senior point guard Jace Tavita, the Big West assists leader.

UH guard recruits Corey Allen and Garrett Nevels of Mount San Antonio College (Calif.) attended the banquet while on their official visit this week.