Mike Thomas finished the sentence himself.
You might end up having more basketball teammates here …
“… at the University of Hawaii than anybody ever, probably,” the senior forward said with a laugh. “I’ve thought about it at times. The different types of groups I’ve had here. It’s definitely crazy.”
Thomas, a captain and glue guy on last year’s breakthrough Rainbow Warriors team, is redshirting the upcoming season as he recovers from a right wrist injury he suffered in the summer. When the decision was announced in August, it meant UH will have an entirely new starting five for the first time in 40 years.
Thomas, sidelined at practices with his wrist encased in a cast, still has a respected voice — one UH coach Eran Ganot is counting on to help shepherd a new generation of players.
“Mike was such a key piece for us last year. Such a good example,” Ganot said. “The foundation of our team was defending and rebounding; he was excellent in those areas. His next step is obviously to take advantage of the respect he has by being more vocal. And he’s gotta keep coming along that way, especially right now in this group.”
Thomas draws from his experiences under three head coaches and getting along with 25 different teammates. That’s before getting acquainted with 10 more this fall.
“I’ve seen a lot in my three years,” he said. “I’ve seen stuff that (Keith) Shamburger’s done, I’ve seen stuff that Rod (Bobbitt)’s done. That (Brandon) Spearman’s done. All these different types of players. AV (Aaron Valdes), Negus (Webster-Chan).
“If I have little tips or anything like that for the players, I’ll share it with them and hopefully they use it,” Thomas explained. “Just say whatever I can to get them to keep going or play better. Anything they don’t know yet. Because it’s a brand-new group of guys. We haven’t played at the Division I level yet, for a lot of them.”
It’s not restricted to pointers for the new UH big men, either.
“Yeah, it’s definitely great having him out here with us,” freshman guard Leland Green said. “I know it was pretty tough not being able to play your senior year, but he’s been helping me out every time I go to the sideline or just being vocal on the side. Just being that voice and that vet leader.”
Thomas said he was to undergo another procedure Wednesday and face a six-week lull before physical therapy begins. He’s targeting February to get back on the court in full capacity and practice against his teammates, then will give it a full go in 2017-18. In the meantime, he’s worked on finishing with his left hand around the basket. He naturally shoots jumpers left-handed, but is right-hand dominant around the basket.
Ganot said captains for this year’s team won’t be voted on until he discusses leadership with the players. It’s possible Thomas could be selected as one even if “The Rock,” is immobile.
Thomas has spoken up when it comes to the level of competitiveness in practice. There have been lulls.
“I think it’s a good, talented group of guys. I think the fight’s gotta increase,” he said. “When we get hit, we gotta just hit back right away and keep going through. Kind of how last year’s team did.”
And that instinct wasn’t instant — it was built up through considerable adversity.
“Absolutely,” Thomas said. “Because my sophomore year, when we lost to Irvine in that (Big West) championship game, there wasn’t a level of fight there. It was kind of a, wallow in self-pity at times. We got it last year and we were able to go to the tournament. It’s going to take time, and it’s going to take experience. It’s gonna get there with this team. I believe it.”
The public can view the overhauled ’Bows at 1 p.m. Saturday in the free-admission Green &White scrimmage at the Stan Sheriff Center, followed by an alumni game.
BYUH exhibition added
On Wednesday, UH finalized and announced a Nov. 3 preseason exhibition with Brigham Young-Hawaii at the Stan Sheriff Center.
The 7 p.m. showcase comes as the Division II Seasiders prepare to enter their final season of collegiate competition. UH opens the regular season Nov. 11 against SIU-Edwardsville.
UH still taking
banquet requests
Spots are still available for the UH Men’s Basketball Tipoff Event banquet beginning at 5:30 p.m. tonight at the Sheriff.
Tickets are $100 each. To attend, contact Bobbie Omoto at 956-6501.
