Rainbow Warriors debut with Tipoff Event, scrimmage

The University of Hawaii men’s basketball team will make its Honolulu debut with Friday’s annual Green-White scrimmage in the Stan Sheriff Center.

There is no admission charge for the scrimmage, which begins at 6 p.m. The doors open at 5.

The Rainbow Warriors played four games during a tour of Australia in August. The ’Bows have completed a third of their preseason training in advance of the Nov. 9 opener against Portland.

On Thursday, the ’Bows will host their third Tipoff Event, an interactive dinner that includes a live auction, a silent auction and panel discussions involving players and coaches.

“The end-of-the-year banquet is fun because it celebrates the year and the senior class,” coach Eran Ganot said. “The start of the year, there’s greater anticipation because of the unknown. And it’s the first real introduction to the team. The Green-White scrimmage is the next day.”

Ganot is in his fourth season as the ’Bows’ head coach. Two years ago, Ganot and his staff searched for a way to launch the season.

“Everything is about building your program,” Ganot recalled. “We’re doing so many things every year. Let’s introduce the Tipoff Event. We haven’t had one. I’m not sure if our program has ever had one. But it’s something I think will be really good here.”

Ganot said there were some who voiced concern. “Sometimes you get, ‘Oh, we’ve never done that here. I don’t know if that will be a success.’”

But under the leadership of Sidney Hamada, a supporter who helped run the ’Bows’ golf tournament, and Rich Sheriff, manager of the Stan Sheriff Center, the first Tipoff Event drew 450 people and raised about $50,000 for the basketball program.

The 2017 event raised about $110,000.

“Last (year’s event) became the highest fundraiser our program has ever had,” said Ganot, noting proceeds help pay for summer school, nutrition and recruiting.

Ganot said the event’s panel discussions will feature commentators Scott Robbs, Kanoa Leahey, Johnny White, Kawika Hallums and Bobby Curran posing questions to the players and coaches.

“With those guys, they talk some trash,” Ganot said, smiling. “It’s fun. It’s funny.”

Ganot said the event promotes fan interaction because there will be a player or coach sitting at every table.

“During the season, you don’t get to interact as much (with fans) because you’re pretty focused,” Ganot said. “This is a feel-good event. It’s taken on a life of its own.”

This year’s auction items include basketball trips and autographed items from LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods.

For details on the Tipoff Event or ticket availability, call 956-6501.