Seniors named basketball captains

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two big men on the University of Hawai'i basketball team have already been handed big roles.

Senior center Haim Shimonovich and senior forward Phil Martin were named team captains by head coach Riley Wallace this week.

In past years, Wallace had players vote for captains. This year, he hand-picked Shimonovich and Martin for what he says are obvious reasons.

"They've been here for four years, they should be able to lead," Wallace said. "Everybody knows we're expecting a lot out of those two guys."

Shimonovich, who is 6 feet 10 and 275 pounds, is expected to be the starting center for the third consecutive season.

"I'm not one who talks much, and I don't think that will change in the next few months," said Shimonovich, who averaged 7.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season. "My role will be helping the new guys learn plays and giving them a good word when they feel down."

First, Shimonovich must recover from tendinitis in his right Achilles tendon. The injury could keep him out of practice for the next two to four weeks.

"There's nothing I can do except rest it," he said.

Martin, a 6-8 power forward, has not rested much in his UH career. This season, he is expected to become the first four-year starter in Wallace's 17 seasons as head coach.

Martin averaged 11.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season and was voted the team's best defensive player.

"I was honored when the coaches told me," he said. "It's something I have to live up to now, but this is actually my fifth year here so I feel like I'm ready for that kind of responsibility."

Shimonovich and Martin will also be featured on the cover of the team media guide under the slogan, "Bigger & Badder."

"That's a catchy theme, and it fits," Martin said. "You got me and Haim back, and our new big guys can all play. We should be bigger and badder this year."

Slam Dunk: Tickets are still available for Thursday's Slam Dunk 2003 benefit for the UH basketball team at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The event, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature dinner from several of Hawai'i's top restaurants and an auction for various prizes.

Tickets are $100, and includes two tickets to UH's game against New Orleans Dec. 20. For information, call the UH basketball office at 956-6501.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.