Kuebler finishes 'amazing' two-year ride with Hawai'i

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Senior Michael Kuebler ended his career at the University of Hawai'i as the school's top single-season 3-point shooter with 97. Associated Press

Michael Kuebler, Hawai'i's all-everything senior guard, scored a game-high 19 points in an 88-73 loss to Michigan in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament last night at Crisler Arena.

After the game — his finale as a Rainbow Warrior — Kuebler sat by himself in the visiting locker room for a few minutes before exiting.

"I just had time to think about how fun it's been and all the experience in general," he said. "It's been pretty amazing."

It has been. Kuebler, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard, made five 3-pointers last night, capping his single-season Hawai'i record at 97.

He scored 16 points in the second half, refusing to let the Wolverines pull away until the game's final minutes.

"We probably had a little too many turnovers than we needed to get the game where we needed it to be," he said. "But it was a fight to the end."

The Maize Rage, Michigan's rowdy student section, even applauded Kuebler's efforts. After Kuebler made his fifth 3-pointer of the game, one student yelled in frustration: "Just miss one so you guys can go home."

Kuebler led the 'Bows in scoring this season with an average of 18.1 points per game. His 598 points was the sixth highest total in Hawai'i history.

But Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said Kuebler's legacy went beyond the basketball statistics.

"He goes out and makes first team Academic All-American and first team all-conference," Wallace said. "He never opens his mouth. He just plays his heart out every night. He's what a student-athlete is supposed to be all about."

In true sharpshooter form, Kuebler went out with a blaze of glory. He scored 59 points in Hawai'i's three NIT games, including 10 3-pointers. He finished his career with 19 3-pointers in postseason games, also a Hawai'i record.

But he also proved his overall value in the NIT by passing for a team-high 21 assists in the three games, including a career-high eight last night.

"It was just a great experience," he said. "I'm proud to be part of this team."

All the rage: The Maize Rage performed as advertised last night, standing and cheering for the entire 40 minutes of the game.

Fitting for a student section, they also did their homework. Prior to last night's game, "The Full Court Press" — two pages of heckling ammunition against the Hawai'i players and coaches — was passed out to every student in the cheering section.

"The crowd had a big role in the game," Hawai'i sophomore Julian Sensley said.

Among the best barbs were: chants of "Punch this sign," directed at Hawai'i point guard Jason Carter, who injured his arm in a home game after punching a courtside sign; calling UH associate coach Jackson Wheeler "Bobby Knight"; and mimicking Wallace's hand motions every time he argued a call.

Coming home: The 'Bows are scheduled to return to Honolulu today around 4:40 p.m. on Delta flight 317 from Atlanta.

Awards banquet: The 2004 Rainbow Basketball Awards Banquet will be held April 15 at the Hawai'i Prince Hotel. Tickets are $40 per person (children age 10 and younger are $25).

No-host cocktails begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program around 7. For ticket information, call 225-2500 or 956-6501.

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