Posted on: Wednesday, August 7, 2002

UH to participate in ESPN's college basketball series

Advertiser Staff

The University of Hawai'i will be announced as one of 18 participating teams in ESPN's "Bracket Busters" Saturday men's college basketball series.

An official announcement is scheduled via a conference call tomorrow.

However, people familiar with the project say UH is one of four Western Athletic Conference teams that will participate. The others are believed to be Fresno State, Tulsa and Louisiana Tech.

The remainder of the field will include Gonzaga, Western Kentucky, Ball State and UC Santa Barbara among others.

"It should really help the RPI — especially if we win," said Herman Frazier, UH athletic director.

All nine games will take place at separate home sites. UH is expected to play its game on the road and school officials have asked that the Rainbows be assigned as close to the West Coast as possible.

Matchups will be based upon each team's Ratings Percentage Index in late January or early February with games taking place in late February.

The idea behind the concept is to enhance the RPI and visibility of teams beyond the so-called "big six" conferences by playing high caliber non-conference competition prior to NCAA Tournament selections.

"For all the conferences in the same boat like us, it makes good sense," Frazier said.

The RPI rankings, which are based upon record and strength of schedule, are a major component in the selection committee's process.