Ray Bass leaving UH program

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

One University of Hawai'i football player is leaving, another is staying and a third is in limbo. Here are their stories:

Ray Bass

RAY BASS

Jones said he has "no idea" why Bass, the younger brother of UH running back Michael Bass, decided to quit the team.

But Jones said: "I'm always disappointed when guys aren't tough enough to stick it out. That's his choice."

Bass could not be reached for comment.

As a senior at Centennial High in Corona, Calif., Bass chose UH over Arizona, California and Colorado State.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds at the Nike Combine in 2002. He also has a 40-inch vertical jump.

Bass was redshirting this season. Jones said he does not believe Bass, who stopped practicing, will rejoin the Warriors.

"I'll help him do whatever he wants to do," Jones said.

Few players have transferred to other Division I-A programs since Jones was named UH coach in December 1998. Defensive back Tyson Hampton, who quit after the 2000 season, recently left Baylor, where he was a part-time starter.

Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan

AKPAN

"I love him," said Akpan, who was raised in Nigeria and signed with the UH basketball team in 2001. "He brought me here. I'm OK with it."

Akpan joined the UH football team in April. In accordance to NCAA rules, his scholarship was transferred to football.

He had planned to rejoin the basketball team in January, as a walk-on. But with last week's football bye, he showed up for basketball practice. After complaining of back spasms and apparently being out of basketball shape, Akpan was dismissed from the basketball team. Wallace said it would be better for Akpan to focus on one sport.

"Whatever he says, I can't do anything about it," Akpan said.

Akpan said he would readily accept if Wallace were to invite him to rejoin the team in the future.

Lui Fuga

FUGA

But history has shown the NCAA does not easily grant a sixth year, adhering to the rule allowing student-athletes five years to play four seasons. Fuga, a 1998 Waipahu High graduate, first enrolled at UH in January 1999.

UH wideout Jason Mane, who suffered a season-ending injury during training camp in 1996, was not granted an extra season. Last year, running back Jonathan Kauka's petition also was denied. The NCAA rejected an appeal from linebacker Tony Tata, who sought a sixth year after transferring to UH from Nebraska to be near his ailing son.

But Fuga said he has been told by school officials that his situation is unique because he suffered a season-ending knee injury on a malicious play during the 2002 season opener against Eastern Illinois. Fuga was granted a medical hardship for the 2001 season, which he spent rehabilitating from two shoulder surgeries.

"To me, I don't see any reason why I wouldn't qualify," said Fuga, who earned a bachelor's degree in May and is participating in a master's program.

But he said: "I know there's a 5 percent chance I might not get it. But I pray that God will give me one more year. ... I'm prepared for anything. I'm cherishing every moment, every practice, every game."

After he receives his master's degree, he plans on enlisting in the Navy. "Hopefully, I can be in a special force, like the Navy SEALS. That's my ultimate goal, if football doesn't work out."

Last week, Fuga said he learned his girlfriend, Kimberly Lutu, is pregnant. The due date is in June.

"I'm happy, because that's the woman I want to marry," Fuga said of Lutu, who is the first cousin of UH defensive tackle Isa'ako "Isaac" Sopoaga. "That's the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.