University of Hawai'i athletics director Herman Frazier is in California today, interviewing candidates for the position of head coach of the Rainbow Warrior basketball program.

Meanwhile, current UH associate coach Bob Nash is in Honolulu, still awaiting any type of communication from Frazier or other athletic department official. Nash is one of 71 coaches who applied to replace Riley Wallace.

"I'm just waiting, like everybody else," Nash said. "I have confidence that things will work out and I will get an opportunity."

Wallace just completed his 20th season as head coach of the 'Bows. His resignation will go into effect on April 30. Wallace has been endorsing Nash as his successor since December.

Nash, however, said he has not been contacted by Frazier or any other UH athletic department official for an interview.

"There's a process they have to follow," Nash said. "All I can do is be patient and hope for the best."

The 2006-07 season ended for the 'Bows on March 8 after a loss to Utah State in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. Since then, Nash has been serving as an unofficial head coach.

Over the past few weeks, he has been in charge of the conditioning drills for the players eligible to return next season.

"We obviously would love to see coach Nash take over," said guard Matt Gibson, who will be a senior next season. "I think there's some fear out there that coach Nash is going to keep running the same show as coach Wallace, but we can see that there's a difference already just in these last few weeks."

Frazier has said that he hoped to name a head coach soon after the Final Four, which ended on April 2.

"Our search is going well," Frazier said through a spokeswoman yesterday. "We have not run into any issues and expect to forward a name to our administration soon."

According to a source familiar with the situation, Frazier will interview at least two candidates in California this week, including Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Dean Demopoulos.

Current Rice head coach Willis Wilson is also believed to be on the list for an interview this week.

"There's all kinds of scuttlebutt out there, but I can't worry about any of that," Nash said. "I'm staying focused on my job here."

SCHEDULE SHAPING UP

One of Bob Nash's duties as associate coach is to find opponents for the 2007-08 season, and he is continuing to fulfill that role.

Nash said a non-conference home game against Illinois and a home-and-home series with New Mexico are close to completion. Also, Washington State — led by 'Iolani alum Derrick Low, who will be a senior next season — is close to finalizing a contract to play in the 2007 Rainbow Classic.

WALLACE STILL LOOKING

Riley Wallace said he interviewed for the athletics director position at Centenary College last week, but does not intend to accept it.

He said he has also been offered a business opportunity in Las Vegas, and an administrative role with a Denver-based company.

BANQUET ON THURSDAY

The annual Rainbow Warrior Awards Banquet will begin around 6 p.m. Thursday at the Hawai'i Prince Hotel.

Several awards will be handed out, including the Art Woolaway Most Outstanding Player.

Tickets are $50 per person ($30 for children age 10 and younger), or $500 per table. For information, call the UH basketball office at 956-6501.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.