Another basketball player tries football
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
With his long arms and nimble feet, it would be easy to imagine University of Hawai'i football player Ryan Bishop as a basketball player.
Ryan Bishop, who played for Chaminade's basketball team last season, is competing at left tackle for the UH football team.
In fact, Bishop did play basketball — only a few months ago for Chaminade University.
Bishop, who is competing at left tackle in UH's training camp, is the latest basketball player to jump sports. Two members of last spring's UH basketball team — Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan and Ikaika Alama-Francis — are competing at defensive end.
Bishop, of Sacramento, Calif., initially auditioned at defensive end, but now plays the more difficult position of back-side blocker to the quarterback.
"He's got a long way to go fundamentally," said Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches UH's offensive linemen. "But he's a sharp guy, and the kid has worked hard in the weight room. He's in condition. And he wants it. That's the most important part of it."
Bishop, who suffered a foot injury prior to the 2002-03 basketball season, said he was looking for a change. The opportunity came after discussions with two friends, UH offensive guards Uriah Moenoa and Shayne Kajioka.
"They told me to come out, that they needed some linemen," Bishop said.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
The thing was, Bishop had not played football since high school, when he was a wide receiver. "That was some 40 pounds ago," Bishop said.
Head coach June Jones directed practice yesterday at the University of Hawai'i football practice field.
The 6-foot-6 Bishop began lifting weights extensively in February. He gained 35 pounds and now weighs 260. He enrolled at UH the day after Chaminade's spring semester ended "so I could use the (UH) weight room."
NCAA rules allow a student-athlete five years to play four seasons. Bishop attended Grossmont College in California for two years before transferring to Chaminade last summer. Because Chaminade does not field a football team, Bishop is eligible to play for the Warriors this season. Incoming transfers usually have to sit out a season. Bishop has two years to play two seasons.
"I hope to play special teams this year, and hopefully next year I can see some playing time at left tackle," he said. "The offensive line is great. The guys are very knowledgeable. I've got great guys to learn from."
Still, Bishop said he is not ready to abandon his hoop dreams.
"I'd like to play for the (UH) basketball team," he said. "We'll see how football goes first."
