Point guard Bobbitt will be called upon for a repeat performance

FIRST OF THREE PARTS

When it comes to inherited luxuries for a new coach, Hawaii’s Eran Ganot gets the point.

Point guard Roderick Bobbitt was a key playmaker for the 22-win Rainbow Warriors in 2014-15, dropping assists at one end while wreaking havoc with his defensive instincts at the other. The junior college transfer racked up 100 steals, best in the nation, was named Big West Defensive Player of the Year and was accorded a spot on the all-conference second team.

It was an impressive season, to say the least. But can he do it again under a different regime?

UH opens the season at home Friday against Montana State in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic.

Ganot, who worked with several accomplished guards as an assistant at Saint Mary’s, was wowed by Bobbitt’s rare combination of savvy and quick hands over the course of offseason workouts.

"He gets a lot of credit for his defensive intensity, which is great," Ganot said. "But I think he’s underrated in his ability to facilitate."

That might seem an unusual thing to say for the conference leader in assists (5.3 per game), but it’s true Bobbitt’s preternatural ability to read passing lanes and defensive craftiness are usually the first things mentioned in conversation.

Then there’s this: "I think his biggest strength is he’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever coached," assistant coach Adam Jacobsen said. "In games, he goes for it. He gives it all he’s got."

Bobbitt played 43 of 45 possible minutes in UH’s 101-96 preseason exhibition win over Chaminade last week, recording 20 points, 15 assists and four steals. Although he struggled from the field (2-for-10), he made it up at the line (16-for-21).

As a senior, he heads up a group of ball-handlers who are adapting to new expectations. On offense, UH now runs a new four-out, one-in scheme — four perimeter players and one post player — and there are changes in defensive responsibilities as well. For that reason, it was important that Bobbitt recovered from the broken jaw he suffered in an offseason off-court incident in time for the start of full practices.

"We came a long way and we’re still trying to get used to everything," said Bobbitt, who needs just 61 steals to break the UH career record of 160 held by Tom Henderson. "I would say defense (was the toughest part), because we’re playing completely different this year, defensive-wise. Offense, that’s a little easier to transition into."

Like they teach in school, reading is important. UH’s offense is designed to generate space and involves plenty of screens for the ballhandler. Bobbitt, senior Quincy Smith, or a reserve like Brocke Stepteau or Niko Filipovich often must make reads on the fly depending on how opponents play the screen. Do you dart into the lane, or swing the ball out wide?

"The best teams have the best decision-makers," Ganot said. "When you get in the paint or when a ball screen happens, can we make the right read?"

Ganot also has exhorted his point guards to be more active talkers and lead teammates into on-court huddles during dead balls.

"No way around it. You have to do it all," the coach said.

Bobbitt often could appear in the backcourt with Smith. Smith, a co-captain last season, started next to Bobbitt in the exhibition and recorded 15 points, six rebounds and six assists. Both worked extensively in the offseason and preseason to improve their outside shooting; they shot 25 percent on 3-pointers last year.

Wing players Isaac Fleming and Sheriff Drammeh also might get their chances to run the offense.

"When you have two point guards somebody’s going to be more of a point guard and somebody’s going to be a little more of an off guard," Jacobsen said. "But Quincy brings us point-guard-like qualities at the 2-guard spot. He can penetrate and pitch and get his teammates involved. … He’s very fast and can guard different guys because he’s strong. He’s got a lot of different qualities. I think one of the biggest things with Quincy is that he does a lot of things well."

Stepteau, a 5-foot-9 walk-on who redshirted last season, impressed the coaches with his work ethic across six weeks of preseason practices. He played his way up the depth chart and was the first reserve into the game against Chaminade. He hit four big 3-pointers in UH’s second-half comeback.

"He deserved to play well because he’s been our probably most consistent 3-point shooter as far as percentage in practice," Jacobsen said. "And one of the things Brocke brings us is stability. He does things right. He’s in the right spot. He executes the offense. He keeps the ball out of the middle of the court defensively."

Filipovich, in his third overall season in Manoa, never lets his emotions stray far from his face. Though lower in the depth chart, he is among the most enthusiastic players in practice.

"Niko’s a guy who does have some experience and can bring us toughness and an intensity level that will really, really help our team," Jacobsen said.

Dyrbe Enos, one of two local products on the roster, saw his most action two seasons ago. The Kamehameha alum is still a very capable 3-point shooter and will be more of an off-guard under Ganot.

Jakob Cornelissen of Australia was a late-season addition to bolster guard depth. The walk-on’s best attributes are his shooting and hoops smarts.

KEY TO SUCCESS

Bobbitt adapts to running the new four-out, one-in motion offense while recapturing the disruptive magic of his 100-steal junior season. Smith and Bobbitt make good on thousands of preseason jumpers to become more reliable outside shooters. Filipovich or Stepteau steps up as a reliable third ballhandler.

* at Dallas Jesuit (2013-14)