UH guard Gibson a no-show at practice

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team was without three key guards for practice yesterday, including starters Matt Gibson and Bobby Nash.

Gibson

The most disturbing absence was "Little Matt" Gibson. He was dismissed from practice on Tuesday after a verbal altercation with two coaches, and was told by Wallace to "take care of his business."

Wallace said Gibson has until today to decide if he still wants to be a Rainbow Warrior.

"I gave him some ultimatums," Wallace said. "Now he has to decide if he wants to play by our rules or not. We're hoping that he does. But if not, we move on without him."

Gibson has started UH's last two games, and is second on the team with 11.8 points per game.

Nash sat out because he is the latest UH player to get an infection on his leg.

"We don't know what it is — bugs or a staph infection or what — but we need to find out," Wallace said. "We've had four or five guys get this, so it's a problem."

Nash, who is averaging 5.8 points per game, could return to practice as soon as today.

Reserve Jake Sottos was wearing a neck brace yesterday because of an injury he sustained in practice on Tuesday.

"It's like whiplash," Wallace said. "We should have him back by game day, too."

Point guards Deonte Tatum and Kris Groce worked with the starting unit during yesterday's practice.

Hawai'i (4-0) will host Saint Mary's (6-3) at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday.

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