Theocharidis closing in on 2,000 kills

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Costas Theocharidis, who has transformed the University of Hawai'i volleyball record book into his autobiography, is poised to make another entry.

Costas Theocharidis' affable nature belies a killer's instinct. The outside hitter needs 10 kills to reach 2,000. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

"It was never my goal," he said of the mark, "but since I have a chance, why not do it?"

Theocharidis' 1,990 career kills eclipse runner-up Mark Presho's 1,582 kills.

UH coach Mike Wilton said Theocharidis' kill count is impressive considering he has played three seasons under the rally-scoring system implemented in 2001. Wilton said there are fewer kill opportunities now than under the previous side-out system.

"All records should come with asterisks," Wilton said. "They should have records for the old-scoring era and the rally-scoring era. It's harder to get more kills now. The school record of 50 kills (in a match), from the old-scoring era, is going to last forever."

At 6 feet 3, in thick socks and when he inhales, Theocharidis is considered to be an undersized outside hitter. But he compensates with a 37-inch vertical jump, a shot that once was clocked at 70 mph, and the craftiness to navigate over, off and around double-blocks.

"It's experience," said Theocharidis, who often makes mid-air decisions while attacking high sets. He said he computes the blocking scheme and back-row alignment before taking a swing.

•	• Who: Hawai'i (12-6) vs. Loyola-Chicago (10-4) • When: 7 tonight • Where: Stan Sheriff Center • Tickets: $12 (lower bowl), $9 (upper level), $6 (UH students, ages 4-18) • Parking: $3 • TV/radio: K5 (Channel 5)/KKEA (1420 AM)

Outside hitter Eyal Zimet, Theocharidis' best friend on the team, said, "He's an extraordinary player, and he deserves to be on the top of the list."

Middle blocker Brian Nordberg added: "Even though everybody in the gym knows that Costas is going to get the ball come crunch time, he still puts it down, which is really nice."

• Hello again: Freshman outside hitter Pedro Azenha of Brazil said he is committed to "playing here until I graduate."

Azenha, who had left the team last week, was reinstated Tuesday. He will begin practicing Monday, although he will not be included on the 12-player travel roster for next week's matches against UCLA.

"I never quit," said Azenha, who had told he coaches he wanted to finish this season but transfer to another school next year. "I just had a hard time, some personal problems. ... I was homesick. Sometimes, I felt really lonely."

Azenha spoke with Zimet, the team captain, and was encouraged to return to the team. After a long talk with his parents, Azenha met with the coaches.

"My parents helped me out," he said. "When I talked to my parents, I realized I never really wanted to transfer. It was a moment thing. I apologized to Coach Wilton. I told him I wanted to stay."

Wilton said he asked the other players for feedback before agreeing to the reinstatement. They gave their blessing.

"I really can't judge him because I'm not in his situation," Zimet said. "I don't think anybody can judge him. He's a long way from home. He's going through things we can't even imagine. I'm just glad he's back on the team. I think Pedro is an asset to the team, and I think he should be on the team."