Wallace sold on this year's team as being one of his best
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Time is running out, but plenty of good tickets are still available.
The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team has five home games remaining in what is turning into one of the top seasons in school history.
After two games on the road last week, the Rainbow Warriors will return to the Stan Sheriff Center to play San Jose State on Saturday. The 'Bows said they are also hoping the fans return as well.
"It seems like we're always a couple thousand short," UH senior guard Michael Kuebler said. "But that extra couple thousand would make a big difference."
Since the start of the 2000-01 season, Hawai'i has a home record of 53-9. The 'Bows went to the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and '02, and to the NIT last season. At 15-4 overall, they are on pace for another post-season appearance.
"This team deserves a sellout (crowd) because of the way they've played this year," Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said.
The 'Bows are tied with Rice for first place in the WAC at 7-2. San Jose State is in last place in the conference at 0-9 (5-14 overall).
"It shouldn't matter who the opponent is," Wallace said. "We sold out for Norfolk State (in 1998). The fact that we're going for first place in the WAC should be enough."
However, the 'Bows are issuing an average of 6,868 tickets per home game this season. A sellout is 10,300.
As of last night, more than 4,000 tickets were available for Saturday's game against San Jose State.
In addition to strategizing for the Spartans, Wallace has also been busy this week offering up ideas to get larger crowds to come to the final five home games.
For this week's game against San Jose State and next Saturday's game against Southern Methodist, Wallace is challenging the fans to fulfill "Sellout Saturdays." Those are the only two Saturday night games remaining on the schedule.
"It sounded catchy and we usually get our biggest crowds on Saturdays," he said.
Next Thursday's game against Louisiana Tech will be Anthony Carter Night, with the former UH star scheduled to attend.
Carter played four seasons with the Miami Heat and was in his first season with the San Antonio Spurs this season, but was released in December because of a knee injury.
During Carter's senior season in 1997-98, there were 12 sellouts in the Sheriff Center. Since then, there has been one — two seasons ago, when the team that finished 27-6 beat Tulsa in a showdown for first place in the WAC.
"I don't know what it is," Wallace said. "But if they were coming out before, they should come out now because this team is as good as any we've had."
The Feb. 27 home game against Tulsa will be the annual White Night — when fans are asked to wear white tops to the game.
The Feb. 29 home finale against Rice will be Senior Night, honoring seniors Kuebler, Phil Martin, Haim Shimonovich, Jason Carter and Paul Jesinskis after the game.
Kuebler, who is in his second season at UH, has never played before a capacity home crowd. He said the crowd of 7,799 (8,962 tickets issued) at the last home game against Boise State was the loudest he's experienced.
"That's the first time my ears started ringing," he said. "I'd love to see what it's like with even more people packed in there."
Wallace added that he does not have a bonus clause in his current contract for attendance.
"I like to promote and get people to come out because I want people to see this team," he said.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
