Hawai'i hopes for Classic opening

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

The opening round of the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic is no day at the beach for opponents of the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team.

To assure a decent crowd for the evening games throughout the tournament, the UH athletic department relies on the Rainbow Warriors winning the opener.

This year, Long Beach State drew the unenviable task of opening against Hawai'i. Oral Roberts and Georgetown will open the Classic today at 5 p.m., and the 'Bows and 49ers will follow around 7:30.

The 'Bows have won four of the last five Rainbow Classics, including the last three. They have played in the consolation round just twice in Riley Wallace's first 17 seasons as head coach, the last time in 1995.

"You never forget those day games because you never want to be there again," Wallace said.

Hawai'i is 5-0, its best start since the 1997-98 team also started 5-0. Long Beach State is 1-5.

"When you don't win games, you get to play against the home team," Long Beach State head coach Larry Reynolds said. "We don't look at it as a negative thing. We're looking at it as a chance to play in a championship atmosphere on the first night."

On paper, the 'Bows appear to be the bigger and better team. There are only 14 remaining undefeated teams in NCAA Division I, including Hawai'i and Oral Roberts (7-0).

However, Wallace recently reviewed game tapes of the 49ers and said their record is somewhat deceiving because it includes road losses at Charlotte, UCLA and Loyola Marymount.

"That schedule has a lot to do with it," Wallace said. "I'm concerned because they've already gone on the road and played some tough games."

The 49ers' leading scorer and rebounder is 6-foot-11 center Anthony Coleman. However, he is surrounded by players 6-6 and shorter. Onye Ibekwe, a 6-8 forward, is eligible for the first time this season, but his role is yet to be determined.

The 'Bows will counter with 7-foot center Chris Botez, 6-9 Sensley and 6-8 Jeff Blackett at forwards, and 6-6 Bobby Nash and 6-3 Deonte Tatum at guards. The Matts, 6-5 Matt Gibson and 6-9 Matt Gipson, are the top reserves.

"They have some size, but the thing that jumps out is that they're all good athletes," Wallace said of the 49ers. "They try to take you off the dribble, so our defense has to be ready."

Sensley, who leads Hawai'i in scoring, rebounding and assists, should again play a key role. He will likely have to defend 6-6 Shawn Hawkins, who may be LBSU's best all-around player.

But the 49ers are just as concerned about stopping Sensley.

"We might see teams as big as Hawai'i, but we don't see teams that are as big and athletic," Reynolds said. "And it starts with Sensley. He's such a unique player because he can do so many things at that size."

Rainbow Classic will test new dimensions

For this week's games only, the 3-point line will be moved back nine inches to 20 feet, six inches. Also, the lanes fronting each basket will be widened three feet to 15 feet.

"It's more of a mind thing," said Gibson, who is tied for the UH lead with seven 3-pointers. "It should be the same shot, the same rhythm, no matter where you are on the court."

The NCAA is experimenting with the new rules for non-conference tournaments.

Shooting coach will host free clinic for kids

Noted NBA shooting coach Dave Hopla will conduct a free clinic for children tomorrow at the UH Gym 1 (between Klum Gym and the Stan Sheriff Center) from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Some of the UH players are expected to assist. It is open to boys and girls of all ages.

Hopla has worked with many NBA players, including Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury and Allan Houston.

"He's the best shooter I've ever seen," Wallace said. "If you want a kid to learn how to shoot, this is the chance."

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