The pass came in smoothly and, as guard Eddie Stansberry caught it, he measured his space, quickly toeing the 3-point arc.
Then, for a moment, a hush settled over the modest Sunday afternoon gathering of 3,031 at the Stan Sheriff Center in anticipation of a shot that would eventually fall.
It was early and the game wasn’t on the line but it was a telling moment nevertheless for a much-needed shooter finding comfort in new surroundings.
“That’s good for any shooter but, for myself, the feeling was really great. The fans are so great, they give me confidence,” Stansberry said later after his game-high 19 points helped lead the University of Hawaii past Northern Arizona, 85-68.
Four games into this young season for the 3-1 Rainbow Warriors, the 6-foot, 3-inch transfer from San Francisco City College is still discovering his equilibrium on this level but he is already finding an eager and hopeful following.
Stansberry made good on seven of 16 shots overall and, after a slow start, five of 12 from 3-point range. Particularly key were 11 points in an 18-3 UH run that spurred the ’Bows to their 41-25 halftime lead in a game where they did not trail after the first five minutes.
The Rainbow Warriors’ desperation for a 3-point marksman was painfully obvious in the 17-13 campaign of last season and Stansberry, the most noted offseason addition, who, coincidentally enough wears jersey No. 3, is the much hoped-for answer.
“He played great (Sunday),” point guard Drew Buggs said. “We know he is a really great shooter, so our job is to drive in there and try and find Eddie. We tell Eddie all the time to just keep shooting. And, as you can see, he can really light it up.”
Buggs said, “He brings a great dynamic to the court and helps open things up inside.”
As his defense improves and he limits the fouls that cost him playing time Sunday, Stansberry will have an opportunity to increase his impact. Much of which will be needed as the ’Bows step up in competition this week with three games in four days, beginning Thursday against Utah in the ESPN-run Wooden Legacy tournament in Fullerton, Calif., followed by a stop at UCLA Nov. 28.
“He’s just got to keep working on a few things because he can give us another dimension,” head coach Eran Ganot said. “You saw how well he can shoot when he’s on.”
Stansberry said, “I love playing in this arena. They (the fans) make me feel so welcome. The biggest thing is that they feed my confidence. That keeps me going whether the shot falls or not. (That way) I just concentrate on the next shot.”
Stansberry said, “I don’t know how to describe it, but those are the best fans that I’ve ever played in front of in my career. They give you a great feeling.”
As Stansberry left the emptying arena after an autograph signing session, a young fan yelled down, “Bye, Eddie!”
Stansberry, a smile widening, turned and gave a wave back with both arms.
Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@staradvertiser.com or 529-4820.
