University of Hawaii basketball team adjusting to new 3-point line

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STEPHEN TSAI / STSAI@STARADVERTISER.COM

UH graduate manager Gibson Johnson, left, and Dominic Drury, UH’s assistant director of operations, measured the new 3-point distance at Stan Sheriff Center.

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In looking ahead, the Hawaii basketball team is preparing to take a step backward.

The Rainbow Warriors are making the adjustment to the NCAA’s deeper 3-point arc — 22 feet, 13⁄4 inches this coming season after 20 feet, 9 inches previously.

“The fact (the NCAA) moved it back makes it interesting,” said guard Eddie Stansberry, who launched 72.4 percent of his shots from behind the arc last season. “Something we used to joke about (was) why I was shooting it too far behind the 3-point line previously. If anything, I was getting ready (for the rule change). The game is changing. I think that’s another reason why they wanted to move it back. It’s another thing to work on in practice.”

After a seven-week break, the ’Bows’ began their summer program on Monday, the first day of UH’s second summer session. In accordance with NCAA rules, the ’Bows are allowed eight hours of training each week, of which up to four may be spent on a basketball court.

“This is an exciting time of the year,” coach Eran Ganot said. “It’s Day 1. How can you not be excited? To see the guys again is a great feeling. We missed them. It’s great to work with them.”

Freshmen Justin Webster and Kameron Ng began training with the ’Bows on Monday. Three other newcomers — Bernardo da Silva, Junior Madut and Jessiya Villa — will join on Aug. 26, the first day of the fall semester. Villa is finishing a church mission in Ghana.

The ’Bows appeared to be fit for the initial workout. Point guard Drew Buggs, who experienced discomfort in his right meniscus during the 2018-19 season, said the knee is “stronger and healthier.” He also said he has worked extensively on improving his jump shot.

Post player Zigmars Raimo continued his conditioning path. Raimo, a 6-8 senior, said he weighs 221 pounds — a loss of 9 pounds from a year ago and 30 pounds from his freshman season. Wing player Samuta Avea said he has maintained his weight while extending his shooting range. “I didn’t want to be 195 after just a big meal,” Avea said. “I wanted to be consistent.”

Owen Hulland, who was restricted to eight games because of a foot ailment, said that injury is a thing of the past. Hulland is one of three 7-footers on the ’Bows’ roster. But unlike Mate Colina and Dawson Carper, Hulland is a stretch-5 who is comfortable launching 3s. In Curry-esque style during warmups, Hulland used to unleash shots from behind the court-side seats.

Hulland, who grew up in Australia, said the new 3-point distance is the same as the international line.

“It’s something I’m used to,” Hulland said. “I’ve been shooting FIBA my whole life.”

Avea also welcomed the new 3-point line. “As soon as I heard they were working on (the change), I started working out from deeper range. It’s pretty comfortable now. It should be a fun adjustment, for sure.”