LAST OF THREE PARTS

Stefan Jankovic caught the ball on the block, sized up his defender … and spun into a fadeaway jump shot which caressed the glass and dropped through for two.

The response, issued by the new Hawaii coaching staff in one of the first practices of the preseason, was immediate. And unfavorable.

"I do, I do (remember that moment)," the junior forward said this week. "I would just naturally go to the fadeaway without looking at the simple options."

That’s certainly changed over the course of the last six weeks. Jankovic, as the primary "in" man of the Rainbow Warriors’ new four-out, one-in offense, has by necessity adapted a more bruising style of play.

One that’s never before been seen much in the Missouri transfer’s repertoire. He got most of his 10.6 points per game last season on the perimeter, either from beyond the arc or on jab-step pull-ups from midrange. His rebounds? A pedestrian 4.9.

"I’m 6-11, I have to recognize that at some point of my life," Jankovic said.

Certainly, "Janks" was a threat floating out there. The 235-pound Serbian-born Canadian is a gifted shooter with guard-like dribbling abilities, so he couldn’t be faulted for trying to exploit mismatches against plodding bigs.

But now his responsibilities are greater as UH looks to play inside-out to create space for shooters and lanes for drivers. He’ll more often go straight at a post defender of similar size (in practices, that means 6-11 center Stefan Jovanovic) and unleash either a running hook shot or try to back his man down for a close-range attempt.

"We’ve challenged him to be more physical," head coach Eran Ganot said. "He is good inside. Obviously he naturally prefers to get out on the perimeter. He’ll have opportunities to do both and he needs to know when he can do both."

Injury scare

Jankovic, who headlines what should be an experienced four-man rotation of big men, had an injury scare in Tuesday’s practice when he rolled his left ankle. While he was held out of contact Wednesday, he’s expected to recover in time for Friday’s 7:30 p.m. season opener against Montana State in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic.

"I’m A-OK," he said.

Previously, Jankovic would only go to the basket if he felt he had a mismatch against a smaller foe. His footwork was always solid, but now his passing and decision making out of the post are regularly put to the test as well. UH will often try to enter the ball to their lone post player near the start of a halfcourt possession as the other four position cut and space themselves accordingly.

"Now it’s like, face up, let the cuts happen, don’t make a move too early," Jankovic said. "Look out for the defense. … I feel like a point guard at times. It’s something I’ve embraced. You have a million options out there. It’s on you to make the right one. I think I’m improving on it."

Assistant coach Chris Acker, who works with the team’s bigs, spends time daily with Jankovic to recalibrate his comfort zone.

"Janks will figure everything out," Acker said. "The offense is free flowing and it’s (there) for our guys to be team guys and also showcase what they can do offensively in our system. … Janks has been unbelievable on buying in, listening and trying to improve."

Center substitution

When it’s not Jankovic out there — like in last week’s exhibition vs. Chaminade when he was saddled with foul trouble — Jovanovic gets the nod. He is more of a traditional center with range out to about 17 feet.

"Jovanovic has gotta be a presence for us inside," Ganot said. "Both those guys have to run the floor."

Acker said: "He’s learning how to play the position within a system that throws him the basketball. That’s not easy to do overnight."

Wing Aaron Valdes (6-5) might also play inside in a pinch against smaller, quicker foes.

At power forward, junior Mike Thomas and senior Sai Tummala will alternate the workload. Both will be asked to knock down outside shots and rebound at a consistent rate. If Jankovic operates on the outside for a sequence, one of them could take his place on the inside.

The 6-7 Thomas is one of a few players on the team who’ve had to learn a new system under a new head coach for three straight years. Thomas, the projected starter at the 4, missed the exhibition with a knee ailment but is fully back in action.

Thomas made 23 starts last year and was the only ‘Bow to record more than 20 blocks and 20 steals.

"We expect Mike to have a really good breakout year this year," Acker said, "in terms of just coming into his own as far as defense is concerned, and then when he gets his opportunities down low, to make plays."

Voice of experience

Tummala, a graduate student who played limited minutes at Arizona State, is looking for a breakout season to cap his college career. He struggled in the exhibition but will be counted on to make open 3s and provide some physicality.

"When it comes down to it, he’s one of the elder spokesmen on our team," Acker said of Tummala. "His voice is going to be important for us all year. He’s had a ton of experiences in his life as far as college basketball is concerned."

Australian Jack Purchase, a sophomore, transferred from Auburn in search of a larger role and will redshirt this season. He is a pick-and-pop 6-9 forward in a similar mold as Jankovic.

"We’re just looking for great things for Jack in the future," Acker said. "He gets to learn from older guys on our team, guys that have been in the battle."

* at Arizona State ** at Auburn