Basketball 'Bows won't rush recruiting

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i men's basketball coach Riley Wallace preached the virtues of patience to both his players and fans all season.

So it's probably fitting that he's doing it again now that recruiting season is under way.

Yesterday was the first day that recruits could sign letters of intent with NCAA basketball programs. The Rainbows did not sign anyone.

"We didn't plan on signing anybody today," said Wallace, who guided the Rainbows to a 17-14 record and the Western Athletic Conference championship. "But we weren't turned down by anybody, either. We're going to be real busy with (recruiting) in the upcoming weeks."

Wallace said several recruits will make visits to Hawai'i starting next week. By NCAA rules, he is not allowed to reveal names or other information. However, he said they are targeting at least one point guard and several "guys with size."

"We're working both the (junior colleges) and high schools," he said. "We're optimistic we'll get what we want."

The Rainbows have four scholarships to fill after the departure of four seniors from last year's team.

Hawai'i did not sign any players during the "early" signing period, which was Nov. 8-15. The current signing period will end May 15.

Wallace said the Rainbows' late-season success has been a factor in the late arrival of potential recruits.

The Rainbows spent the final three weeks of the season away from Hawai'i while winning the WAC and then participating in the NCAA Championship Tournament.

"We were busy with that and so it set us behind a little bit," Wallace said.

However, he added that the exposure the Rainbows received during that time has served as a recruiting bonus.

"When you're on CBS, national TV, like we were for the Syracuse game, it really helps," he said. "And even before that, a lot of people saw us on Fox for the (WAC championship) and liked what they saw."

Nine scholarship players from last year's team are eligible to return. Six of last season's top eight players are expected to return, including All-WAC guard Predrag Savovic.