‘Matured’ Franciskovic leading new Hawaii unit

Off a three-step approach, University of Hawaii volleyball setter Jennings Franciskovic can touch a marker 12 feet from the ground — or, for visual reference, 2 feet above a basketball rim.

Franciskovic has set his sights high this volleyball season.

“It’s going to be a fun year,” said Franciskovic, whose Warriors play an exhibition match Monday night in the Stan Sheriff Center ahead of Thursday’s season-opening Outrigger Hotels Invitational. “We have a lot of guys who can play big roles this year.”

Franciskovic, a 6-foot-5 junior, is featured in a front-row experiment in which he will align as a middle blocker before transitioning to setter.

“I did a little bit of that my freshman year in high school because we only had one middle on varsity,” Franciskovic said. “It was easier back then because (the pace) was slower. It’ll be interesting to see if we actually do it (in a match), and if we do it, how successful we can be. I’m confident in it.”

Coach Charlie Wade has expressed trust in Franciskovic’s larger role as team leader. In 2015, his first season as full-time starter, Franciskovic often deferred to the older players.

“I think I’ve matured a lot,” said Franciskovic, who was a member of the U.S. Junior National team this summer. “It’s pretty cool to step into a leadership role.”

Franciskovic will receive support from the top three passers — libero Kolby Kanetake and outside hitters Siki Zarkovic and Kupono Fey.

Two converted pin hitters — Iain McKellar and Hendrik Mol — will be used in the middle. McKellar has recovered from a torn meniscus in his left knee, and Mol has learned to cope with diminished vision in his left eye following a severe infection suffered in April. Wade said McKellar and Mol also are scoring threats from behind the 3-meter line.

“We have players with a lot of volleyball skills,” Wade said.

Of the 10 first-year Warriors, the most impactful could be Stijn Van Tilburg, who will start at opposite. Van Tilburg, who was raised in the Netherlands, has drawn comparisons to Jonas Umlauft, who led the nation in scoring during his two-year UH career.

While Umlauft earned the handle “Germanator” because of his powerful swings and German origin, Van Tilburg has excelled in placing shots to different spots.

“He thinks through the game,” Wade said of Van Tilburg. “If one thing is not working, he’ll change to something else.”

Franciskovic said: “He’s going to be a contender for national freshman of the year. He’s the real deal. We haven’t had an opposite who can hit the high ball in a while, probably since Umlauft. It’s exciting having someone like Stijn.”

Van Tilburg said he was raised in a volleyball family. He said he chose UH because of the fans, Wade and associate head coach Milan Zarkovic. He has made an easy adjustment to Hawaii, quickly embracing plate lunches, particularly teriyaki chicken.

“My sister came over last week over the break,” Van Tilburg said. “We rented a car and saw a lot. It’s a beautiful place to live. Every morning, I wake up and look out the window and smile because it’s such a beautiful place.”