The University of Hawai'i-Manoa men's basketball team will host Hawai'i-Hilo in an exhibition game today.

The only place it won't count for the Rainbow Warriors is in their record.

"We're not looking at it as an exhibition game, and we're not going to treat it like an exhibition game," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "We're playing to win. We've got guys battling for playing time at every position, and this is a chance for them to show what they can do under the lights."

The 'Bows have been practicing since Oct. 17. The annual midnight/twilight tip-off event was scrapped this year, so today will be their first public appearance.

"We're definitely ready to play somebody else," said junior forward Bill Amis, the only returning starter from last season.

The 'Bows lost seven seniors from last season's 11-19 team. UH-Hilo, which is an NCAA Division II program, returns two starters from last season's 13-13 team.

"We've got more to lose, but we really want to come out and make a statement," Amis said.

Hawai'i will be without projected star forward Roderick Flemings, who is in Dallas for the funeral of his grandfather.

During the past two weeks of practices, Nash has been experimenting with various lineups.

"This early in the season, you're going to give everybody a look," he said. "But we're starting to identify guys who we want to use in certain situations and (today) will be a good chance to see how it goes."

A breakdown of the 'Bows, by position:

POINT GUARD

CANDIDATES

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.

Leroy Lutu Jr. 6-3 200 Fr.

Kareem Nitoto 6-2 185 So.

Gary Satterwhite 6-3 175 Fr.

Hiram Thompson 6-2 175 So.

RUNDOWN

There is little experience, but lots of athleticism.

Nitoto and Thompson played reserve roles as true freshmen, and they have a combined one collegiate start between them.

Nitoto, who established a UH record with a 45-inch vertical leap, has a combination of speed and strength, and is an exceptional defender. Thompson, who is returning to UH after a two-year church mission, is crafty on both offense and defense.

"I hope we both can play, but it's up to the coaches," Thompson said. "The point guard role is always important, and I think we can both do things to help the team."

EARLY-SEASON SCENARIO

Nitoto has clearly emerged as the first point guard, and is developing into a vocal leader.

Thompson has been slowed by a hamstring injury and illness, but should work his way into the rotation once he works his way into shape.

Lutu, a true freshman and invited walk-on, has been the biggest surprise of the preseason. If he continues to progress, he could become a valuable reserve.

Satterwhite, also a walk-on, is out — maybe for the season — with a shoulder injury.

NASH'S TAKE

"Hiram has been slowed by injury, so we're still waiting for him. Kareem is ahead in terms of his physical ability. Both those guys will be key for what we want to do this year."SHOOTING GUARD

CANDIDATES

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.

Beau Albrechtson 6-4 205 Fr.

Conrad Fitzgerald 6-5 205 Fr.

Lasha Parghalava 6-2 195 Jr.

RUNDOWN

Last season, the 'Bows had an abundance of shooters — Bobby Nash, Jared Dillinger, Riley Luettgerodt and Matt Gibson. This season, the position will change.

Parghalava is capable of shooting 3s, but is better at playing pesky defense and slashing to the rim.

"When I first saw this offense, I wasn't sure what to do," Parghalava said. "But now I know that everybody gets a chance to shoot and I like that."

Fitzgerald may be the best 3-point shooter on the team, but needs to improve his shot selection.

Several of the small forwards — including Flemings — can also fill in at shooting guard.

EARLY-SEASON SCENARIO

Parghalava will get the first shot, and should form an aggressive backcourt combination with Nitoto.

Fitzgerald could fill the "energizer" role off the bench because of his offensive skills. Albrechtson will help the scout team.

NASH'S TAKE

"I think we're more athletic at this position than we've been in the past. And for the way we want to play this year, we don't necessarily have to have that spot-up 3-point guy on every possession."

SMALL FORWARD

CANDIDATES

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.

Roderick Flemings 6-7 210 Jr.

Adam Jespersen 6-7 210 Fr.

Adhar Mayen 6-8 185 Jr.

RUNDOWN

Flemings is the kind of all-around talent the 'Bows have not had in a long time. He has been slowed by a sprained right ankle, but should emerge as the go-to player sooner rather than later.

"The competition has been great," Mayen said. "Rod is a great player who really knows the game."

Mayen — and his high-arcing jump shot — has improved from last season.

EARLY-SEASON SCENARIO

Mayen will likely get the start today while Flemings is on bereavement leave in Dallas.

Flemings should become the centerpiece of the offense once he returns, whether he's at shooting guard or small forward.

Jespersen, a true freshman, has displayed an inside-outside game, but still needs to gain strength.

NASH'S TAKE

"When we get Rod back, our dynamics change. But we want guys to be interchangeable, and guys like Adhar or Conrad (Fitzgerald) can play multiple positions if Rod is not here."

POWER FORWARD

CANDIDATES

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.

Brandon Adams 6-7 220 Jr.

Bill Amis 6-9 220 Jr.

RUNDOWN

Amis averaged 8.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season, and has added some bulk since then. "I'm a lot more confident this year," he said.

Adams is physically gifted but has been slow to learn the UH offensive schemes.

EARLY-SEASON SCENARIO

Amis is considered the only "veteran" on a roster with no seniors, so he should receive an increased role on offense. Adams could be an exciting newcomer once he learns the system.

NASH'S TAKE

"Bill is obviously ahead of a lot of guys at this point, but we have some depth there."

CENTER

CANDIDATES

Name Ht. Wt. Cl.

Petras Balocka 6-8 255 Jr.

Paul Campbell 6-10 215 Jr.

Ji Xiang 6-10 240 Fr.

RUNDOWN

The 'Bows lacked a true big man last season, and it showed in a minus-5.0 rebound margin per game. Balocka has the brute strength to fill the middle.

"I think I can bring toughness and rebounding," he said.

Campbell and Ji give the 'Bows height, but are working on strength.

EARLY-SEASON SCENARIO

Balocka's style of play will get him the start but will it cause him to get into foul trouble? Campbell is an effective shot-blocker. Ji has a soft shooting touch.

NASH'S TAKE

"Petras has stepped ahead of the other guys early, but we're going to need all of them."