But the Rainbow Warriors still have approximately three weeks to prepare for their season opener against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 23. Before that, the 'Bows will play Hawai'i-Hilo in an exhibition game on Nov. 14.

"I still don't know what to expect," Hawai'i head coach Riley Wallace said. "It's too early to tell."

A combination of inexperience and nagging injuries have contributed to the slow start.

"Because we have so many new faces, we're working a lot more on offense than we are on defense right now," Wallace said. "But the injuries don't help. Seems like we get one guy back and another goes down."

The full 16-player roster has practiced together only once this season — on opening day, Oct. 16. Since then, five players have missed practice time because of injury or illness.

Senior forward Vaidotas Peciukas (right knee) and junior center Chris Botez (left knee) are the only players currently on the sidelines, but both are expected to be ready for the season opener.

In any case, Wallace said he still does not have a starting lineup, and has been using different rotations during practice.

"We're trying to mix it up; get some of the new guys in with the old guys so that they can learn faster," Wallace said. "It's a matter of repetition. These guys just need to keep learning because the talent is there."

Junior forward Matt Gipson is a prime example. He is one of five new scholarship recruits on the roster, and has shown flashes of spectacular play in recent practices.

"My legs are still not in shape, and I still have to learn the offense," said the 6-foot-9 Gipson. "But I think we're getting better every day."

Wallace added: "You can see how good he can be if he ever learns everything. Right now, he knows the first option in the offense, but not the second or third or fourth."

For now, 10 of the scholarship players are considered candidates for a starting position: Kris Groce and Deonte Tatum at point guard; Matt Gibson, Bobby Nash and Jake Sottos at shooting guard; Sensley at small forward; Gipson and Jeff Blackett at power forward; Botez and Milos Zivanovic at center.

"Once we get everybody on the same page, we'll be good," Sensley said. "I think we have a chance to be better than last year because we have more depth."

Walk-on forward is ineligible for semester

Ryan Schmidt, a 6-6 walk-on, has been declared ineligible for this semester because of a problem with the transfer of some of his junior college credits.

Schmidt can continue practicing with the team, but will not be allowed to suit up for games. He could regain his eligibility in late December, but is more likely to redshirt the entire season.

"I think it'll make me a better player in the long run," he said. "I'll have a year to get stronger and learn the offense."

Schmidt averaged 18.2 points per game last season at Linn-Benton Community College (Wash.).

Because of an injury to senior Vaidotas Peciukas, Schmidt has worked his way into the back-up role at small forward behind returning starter Julian Sensley.

If he redshirts this season, Schmidt will still have two seasons of eligibility.

Wallace has quiet birthday celebration

Riley Wallace celebrated his 63rd birthday last Thursday at home with his wife, Joan.

"We had Chinese chicken salad for dinner and then we watched TV," he said. "Birthdays aren't big for me."

Wallace is in the final year of his current contract, but has already said that he will seek an extension for two more years.