The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team will participate in ESPN's "College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon" on Nov. 17.

Instead of carbo-loading, the best preparation might be a nap.

The Rainbow Warriors will host Idaho State at 11 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center on Nov. 17 as part of a 24-hour day of basketball games on the ESPN networks.

The Hawai'i-Idaho State game is scheduled to be televised live on ESPN, meaning it will start at 4 a.m. on the East Coast - on a Tuesday morning.

"It's not an ideal time slot, but with some creative ideas, we think it's something we can turn into a fun experience for the fans," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "Something like how we used to do the Midnight 'Ohana."

Nash added that the ESPN networks will likely promote the event in the weeks leading up to the game, so that could lead to added exposure for the program and state.

"It's part of an ESPN show, so they're going to be talking about it, and hopefully they'll show highlights," he said. "So even if people are not up to watch it, we're hoping that a lot of people will at least know about it."

It will be one of two guaranteed appearances on national television for the 'Bows. Hawai'i's road game at Fresno State is scheduled to be televised on ESPN2 on Feb. 19.

"In these down economic times, any kind of national exposure can be a good thing," Nash said.

'BOWS FACE COLORADO STATE IN CLASSIC OPENER

Hawai'i will host Colorado State on the opening night of the 45th annual Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic on Dec. 27.

The bracket for the eight-team tournament was revealed yesterday.

In other first-round games, Vermont will play George Washington, Buffalo will face Pepperdine, and Colorado will take on Coppin State.

In a schedule twist added this year, Hawai'i will play all its games during the evening sessions.

Last year, Hawai'i was sent to the afternoon consolation bracket, and it led to dismal attendance figures for the tournament.

What's more, this year's tournament will end on Dec. 29 and 30 - a Monday and Tuesday.

"We see it as making more business sense for us to play at night, when our fan base is there," Nash said. "Of course, our goal is to make it to the championship game anyway."

RAINBOW CLASSIC SCHEDULE

Dec. 27: Vermont vs. George Washington, 5 p.m.; Colorado State vs. Hawai'i, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 28: Buffalo vs. Pepperdine, 5 p.m.; Colorado vs. Coppin State, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 29: Afternoon session at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; evening session at 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 30: Afternoon session at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; evening session at 5 and 7:30 p.m.

DILLINGER A FIRST-ROUND PICK IN PHILIPPINES

Former UH player Jared Dillinger was a first-round pick - No. 2 overall - in the Philippine Basketball Association draft this month.

Dillinger said he has signed a contract to play with the team that drafted him, the Talk N Text Phone Pals.

"It's the biggest league over there, and I signed a three-year contract," he said. "I was surprised and honored to go that high in the draft."

Dillinger, a 6-foot-5 guard/forward, was a starter on last season's UH team.

He said crowds of up to 20,000 attend the league games in the Philippines. His contract includes a housing agreement, and is worth around $75,000 per year.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "I'm looking at it as a chance to make money playing a game I love."

Dillinger was eligible for the league because his mother is Filipino.