It’s not quite the official debut of the Eran Ganot era of Hawaii basketball, but tonight’s exhibition against Chaminade is the next best thing.

The Rainbow Warriors and Division II Silverswords meet at 7 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center in a tune-up for the looming start of the regular season Nov. 13.

"I think, like everybody in the country right now, there’s a lot of excitement," Ganot said. "We’ve beat each other up enough. We’re ready to go up against another opponent, and I’m sure Chaminade is as well."

UH went 22-13 last season under interim coach Benjy Taylor, but Ganot was selected as his replacement in April representing a clean break from the controversial Gib Arnold era.

Both teams are expecting to show off a perimeter-oriented style. For UH, it’s a chance to try out its new four-out, one-in offense against someone else before the results count.

At the other end, UH will likely play man defense and probably won’t press as aggressively as it showed last season, but it still can employ point guard Roderick Bobbitt, the national steals leader with 100 swipes in 2014-15.

"It’s going to be a fun game, high paced, a lot of shooting," said swingman Aaron Valdes, the team’s lone preseason All-Big West pick. Valdes recorded 23 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in a 94-63 rout of the Silverswords at Blaisdell Arena last season. "They’re going to be a good team, a good test for us early."

Bobbitt and Valdes will likely be joined in the starting lineup by Quincy Smith at shooting guard, Sai Tummala at power forward and Stefan Jankovic at center. Projected starter Mike Thomas is doubtful with a knee sprain.

Guard Isaac Fleming, who has missed more than a week of practice with what Ganot has termed "personal matters," observed team practice from the side Wednesday night, his first appearance since taking a sudden leave of absence.

Fleming, who was not available for comment, did not join the team in huddles. Ganot said despite his appearance "his status remains unchanged."

Chaminade has entered the post-Lee Bailey era. Bailey, a four-year standout at guard, was instrumental in running the ‘Swords offense.

Fifth-year coach Eric Bovaird depends on a nucleus of smallish wing players who can stretch the floor with 3-point shooting. The Silverswords have one player taller than 6 feet 7 — 6-9 forward Matt Southard. But that’s not to say Bovaird isn’t confident coming off a 12-14 (9-11 PacWest) season.

"This is top to bottom the best team we’ve had, one through 12," Bovaird said. "For the first time I feel like I have legitimately 12 guys who can step in and play."