So how about The Irreplaceables?

That's basically what the five seniors on the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team will be after this season.

The five — Jason Carter, Paul Jesinskis, Michael Kuebler, Phil Martin and Haim Shimonovich — will play their final home game today when the Rainbow Warriors host Rice in a Western Athletic Conference game at the Stan Sheriff Center. To accommodate Rice's travel schedule, the game will start at 3:05 p.m.

"You have to put this class up there with any of the other great ones we've had," Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said. "In terms of winning, look at what this group has done."

Martin and Shimonovich are four-year starters. Jesinskis joined the team in 2001-02. Carter and Kuebler came in last season. Over the last four seasons, the 'Bows are 81-40 — the greatest four-year run in UH history.

"I think it exceeded the kind of things I expected," Martin said. "We've had amazing success. Some dreams came true that every college athlete wants."

And they are not done. Hawai'i is 18-8 overall and in fourth place in the WAC at 10-5. Rice is 20-7 overall and 11-4 in the conference.

"What we do this year will be our legacy," Shimonovich said. "I think we all know the best way to be remembered is to go to the NCAA (Tournament) and win a game there — do something that's never been done by a Hawai'i team."

The five seniors are an eclectic mix. They came from different backgrounds, and different parts of the world. None was more important than the other, and they each flourished in their respective role.

The Ironman

In December of 2000, Martin was inserted into the starting lineup as a freshman. He hasn't lost the spot since.

"It was a long time ago, when I think about it," said Martin, a 6-foot-8 forward from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. "But it went in a blink of an eye."

In between, he has quietly become one of the UH greats. He ranks eighth in career scoring with 1,190 points, and fifth in rebounding with 591.

But perhaps most impressive is Martin's perseverance. Tonight will be his 97th consecutive start. He will also be appearing in his 121st game as a Rainbow Warrior, establishing a UH record.

Big Daddy

Raised in Israel, Shimonovich found peace and paradise at UH.

"These were probably the best years of my life," he said. "I found a family away from home here, and I'll never forget my teammates for that."

Like Martin, Shimonovich quietly worked his way into the UH record books. He ranks sixth in career rebounds with 584, and third in blocked shots with 140.

At 6-10 and 275 pounds, his presence was his greatest value.

"I just wanted to be part of a winning program," he said.

The Bruiser

Jesinskis' worth was never seen by the public for three seasons. He was — still is, actually — the fiercest player in practice.

"Of course I wanted to play more," he said. "But I knew what my job was and I worked hard at it every day."

Jesinskis, who is from South Africa, is on target to graduate next year.

"Everything worked out great for me," he said. "Absolutely no regrets."

The Energizer

Carter may lead the nation in excitement per minute.

Although only 5-10, he has a 41-inch vertical jump, and is the fastest player on the team. For two seasons, he has provided thrills as the first point guard off the bench.

"I love that feeling when the crowd is cheering for me," said Carter, who is from Gary, Ind.

The Sniper

Kuebler came to UH as a walk-on. He will leave as one of the greatest long-range shooters in school history.

"It's been an amazing trip," said Kuebler, a 6-4 guard from Salem, Ore. "I've never been on a team where everyone on the team is such good friends."

Kuebler has 75 3-pointers this season and has a shot at the school record of 89 set by Carl English last season.

"A lot of people say kids are problems now days," Wallace said. "But this group doesn't fit that. They're good students, good players and good people. We were lucky to have them."

Due to NCAA scholarship rules, UH will only be allowed to sign three new players for next season.

Quite literally, the five seniors will be irreplaceable.

"We're not great players," Jesinskis said. "But we play together and we play hard and that's what makes us special. We realized each other's strengths and weaknesses and we each did what we could to help the team."