During an evening practice earlier this preseason, the Hawaii basketball team went until the lights shut off because of the Stan Sheriff Center’s automated timer.

The Rainbow Warriors have operated in the proverbial dark so far, but that changes today as the general public can view them under the Sheriff lights in the Green and White intrasquad scrimmage at 1 p.m.

“Definitely excited, anytime there’s a chance to play in front of the fans who’ve been there through thick and thin,” said Drew Buggs, a redshirt freshman point guard. “You want to come out and play hard for them, and give the fans a show.”

The Sheriff doors open at noon, when UH will go through its standard practice drills. Admission is free. There will be an autograph session on the Sheriff concourse level after the scrimmage.

There’s been a buzz among the ’Bows at practice this week as they’ve felt the scrimmage (actually a series of officiated, short periods) drawing nigh.

“You’re playing in front of nobody right now,” coach Eran Ganot said after a recent weekday practice. “That (feeling) shouldn’t change, whether there’s a crowd or not, whether it’s a closed practice or things like that. But I’m most excited to feel the season’s around the corner and getting closer. I’m excited to see the guys playing more … potentially several 10-minute scrimmages, which will be a progression for us.”

Expectations at this time last year were tempered because of NCAA sanctions and a new cast of characters on the roster. UH was respectable under the circumstances at 14-16, 8-8 Big West, but wasn’t in contention even in a down year in the conference.

Despite the departure of BWC first-teamer Noah Allen, hopes are higher for 2017-18 behind 10 returnees.

“We’re all just excited to go out there and play in front of our fans, let them see what we’re capable of this year,” junior guard Sheriff Drammeh said. “I think we’re capable of way bigger things this year. We’re playing for a championship, that’s what we’re doing.”

The Nov. 10 season opener vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff is still a few weeks away. UH has mixed and matched squads during head-to-head competitions in recent days as position battles come into clearer focus. That will continue today.

“It’s a good chance to work on making sure the whole team is on the same page, and getting different guys accustomed to playing at different positions, with different lineups,” Buggs said. “Getting our chemistry right and ready for the season, because, fouls, injuries, you never know who might need to play. It’s a chance for everybody to step up and show what they can do.”

While the frontcourt pecking order is close to set behind veterans Mike Thomas and Gibson Johnson, guard play has come in fits and starts this preseason because of recurring injuries at the point. Buggs has been in and out with shoulder and knee problems — he only just got back in on Saturday — and incumbent playmaker Brocke Stepteau has been out a week with a foot/ankle problem. Stepteau is doubtful to play today.

Junior college point guard Jaaron Stallworth has made strides since practices began Sept. 29, but he too has had to feel his way around coming back from serious ankle and leg injuries.

“I’ve been getting a lot of extra film in with the coaches, so I’m well prepared,” Stallworth said. “Since (the start of practices) I’ve been a lot more healthy, so hopefully I can contribute the best I can do.”

Drammeh and sophomore shooting guard Leland Green may share duties at the point today.