English's return for his senior year no slam dunk

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Columnist

When Carl English first strode onto the court during last night's University of Hawai'i post-game Senior Slam, beckoned from the sideline by Lance Takaki, there were a couple of anxious seconds and nervously held breaths.

Not until it became apparent that English was there strictly in a supporting roll, to be leapt over on Takaki's "dunk", did some people in the Stan Sheriff Center crowd of 8,959 dare exhale.

For as this regular season came to an end, punctuated by a 77-63 victory over Texas-El Paso, it is a timely juncture to wonder if we'll see English return for his Senior Slam.

The question, for those who dare to look beyond next week's Western Athletic Conference Tournament and whatever this postseason holds for the Rainbows, could be: Have we seen the last of English here?

The answer, say people who know him, is it could go either way. "I think he's maybe 50/50 right now," said teammate and friend Phil Martin.

English, for his part is non-committal, hardly a good sign. "I don't know," English said. "I haven't decided yet."

Selfishly, you would hope he'll be back and, indeed, implore English to return for what has the potential to be a year like few others in UH basketball history. Come back, Carl, you'd like to say, for what could be another 25- or 26-win season, a roar through the WAC and return to the NCAA Tournament.

The pieces would seem to be in place with four returning starters and, now, some experienced reserves. Plug in a point guard — who the coaches think they have in Logan Lee, a junior college transfer — and this team could, as Martin put it, "tear it up in the conference" next season.

All of which could be topped off by a season that gives English a chance to go out as the school's all-time scoring leader.

"I mean, I hope he comes back for another year because I'd like to finish with my best friend," Martin said.

But English, the man of many shots, seemingly has a variety of options. He is carrying 18 units and is on schedule to graduate in two months (having redshirted as a freshman). After four years and with a degree in hand, he just might want to get on with his life and not risk an injury.

And while speculation now is strong that he won't be taken in the NBA draft and could improve his future chances by returning, he could still make some good money now playing overseas.

NCAA rules allow English to test the waters after this season, permitting him to attend some draft combines and even put his name in the hopper, to be pulled back, as long as he doesn't take on an agent.

For three seasons English has brought a dramatic flare to the Rainbows. Soon, the drama will be in seeing if he chooses to return.