Sensational Sensley honored

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

UH's Julian Sensley had 40 points and 24 rebounds in two road games last week. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

He was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week.

Sensley is the first UH player to be honored by the WAC this season.

"I think it's a tribute to this team to have not had a player of the week and still be winning," UH head coach Riley Wallace said. "If the recognition comes, that's fine. But I would have preferred we not win any individual awards and keep winning as a team."

Sensley, a 6-foot-9 sophomore forward for the University of Hawai'i, was recognized after averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds and 3.5 assists in two road games last week.

"I was just at the right spot at the right time," he said. "People been asking me how come I don't play like that at home (games). I don't know. It wasn't anything special I did on the road. I think I'm just being more aggressive now, so that's what I'm going to do at home, too."

The Rainbow Warriors went 1-1 on the road trip and are 15-4 overall and tied for first place in the WAC at 7-2.

Sensley recorded statistical double-doubles in both games: 20 points and 11 rebounds in a 76-73 loss at Rice, then 20 points and 13 rebounds in a 73-71 double-overtime win at Tulsa.

He also played the entire 90 minutes of both games.

"He's been improving on both ends," Wallace said. "He can do so many things, but the thing I like the most is that he stays within his role."

Sensley, who is in his first season at UH, has emerged as the team's best all-around player. In Hawai'i's last eight games, he is averaging 14.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

"It's cool to win awards and stuff," he said. "But it's not like that's one of my goals. I'm just trying to do what I can to help the team win."

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