Keith Shamburger is getting the point.
The 6-foot, 170-pound transfer from San Jose State has a near stranglehold on Hawaii’s starting point guard job through three full practices.
Shamburger, who offers a mix of scoring and playmaking ability, played last season as the primary ball-handler of the Rainbow Warriors’ scout team.
Prior to that, the one-time UH recruit out of Junipero Serra High (Calif.) went against the ‘Bows for two years as a starter for San Jose State, averaging 12.7 points and 3.7 assists in 63 games.
"I just really trust Keith," UH coach Gib Arnold said. "I know what he can bring us. He’s just such a good basketball player that I really just want the ball in his hands a bunch. I trust him with what he does offensively, and I’ve given him a lot of freedom. He can break off the play and create for others. He’s going to be a huge factor in what we do this year and I’m just glad he’s finally with us instead of against us."
Shamburger had a career-best 12 assists in an overtime loss to UH in 2012, and was key in the Spartans’ WAC tournament win over UH in 2011 with all of his 12 points in the second half.
Once he joined up with the ‘Bows in the summer of 2012, plenty of patience was required while he toiled as a member of the scout team. UH had one-year starter Jace Tavita at the point. There was no natural backup at the position for him; the ‘Bows made do with converted points Garrett Jefferson, Manroop Clair and Ozren Pavlovic — all of whom left the program early in the offseason.
"It just feels good, man," Shamburger said. "I’m just all smiles out here. Just happy to be back out on the court again and just happy to be out here with the guys. I’m able to play this year. Last year it was hard just practicing. But this year, it’s a purpose. I’m out there to make sure everybody gets better."
City College of San Francisco transfer Quincy Smith, a sophomore, has shown himself capable so far. But it’s clearly been Shamburger’s spot so far as the team works through new offensive sets and fast-break drills.
WEBSTER-CHAN RETURNS
Missouri transfer Negus Webster-Chan participated in his first full practice on Thursday. He missed the first two while away in Toronto and New York for funerals of two aunts who died of cancer just days apart.
The 6-foot-7 swingman, who must redshirt this season per Division I transfer rules, provided an instant boost to the UH scout team while still playing with a heavy heart.
"It was (awful)," Webster-Chan said. "It was rough on my family. It was a good feeling to be around my family again (back in Toronto) and be with them awhile."
FORMER UC RIVERSIDE FORWARD TO VISIT
Former UC Riverside forward Josh Fox is slated to take an official recruiting visit to UH this weekend.
The 6-foot-6 Fox, who attends the City College of San Francisco, averaged 9.3 points and 6.5 rebounds for Riverside in 2012-13 in starting 27 games before an ACL injury ended his season prematurely.
In two meetings against UH last year, Fox averaged 11 points and six rebounds for the 6-25 Highlanders.
DRESSLER SITS PRACTICE
Redshirt freshman center Caleb Dressler sat out Thursday’s practice with tightness in his back. He and true freshman Stefan Jovanovic have played behind senior Davis Rozitis.
