Roderick Flemings debuts tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Oh, and by the way, the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warrior men's basketball team begins its regular season there, too.

This year, for one of the few times in UH history, there is more buzz about a new player — aka "The Franchise" — than the team. This time, even on a new-look team with nine fresh faces, there is one player for whom the spotlight is already brighter and the anticipation deeper.

In time these Rainbow Warriors may become household names and a team to rally around. But, for the moment, the most recognizable and intriguing one is the 6-foot-7, 210-pound Flemings.

Not since Tom Henderson first laced up a pair of sneakers at the then-Honolulu International Center has there been a more awaited opening on the court. Of course, Henderson — then billed as "the Cadillac of guards" and eventually the "Rainbow Rolls Royce" — was introduced by the 1972 Olympics that preceded his arrival. Nearly 5,000 fans turned out to watch Henderson play in an intra-squad scrimmage. The school waited a whole month before beginning an All-America campaign for him.

Anthony Carter had a build-up. So, too, did Reggie Carter as a Parade All-American. Chris Gaines was "Mr. Iowa Basketball."

But never immediately after billing any of their signings as "Rainbow Warrior Basketball Lands Prized Recruit" did UH quickly launch a season-ticket sales drive. When Flemings signed, head coach Bob Nash, who throws hype around like burning telephone poles, gushed, "Not since A.C. Carter have we signed a player with the type of talent and excitement that Roderick brings."

So, yes, you could say Flemings' arrival comes with an expectation or two. That he wasn't on display in exhibitions against UH-Hilo and Chaminade due to a death in the family has merely heightened the curiosity for tonight's game against San Francisco.

And the Rainbow Warriors need that "talent" and "excitement" that Nash said Flemings supplies. UH hasn't been to the postseason in four years and is coming off an 11-19 season. Ticket revenue for the last season was at a five-year low. With his first full recruiting class behind him, the Nash era begins in earnest with you-know-who as its poster player.

So, Flemings is more than a forward. Even a JC All-American one who averaged 20.7 points and 11.7 rebounds at that. He can be, if he is even half of what he has been made out to be, the answer to a prayer.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.