Bob Nash was part of the Fabulous Five as a player for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team.

In his first year as head coach of the Rainbow Warriors, Nash would like to see more of a Fabulous 14.

Nash is emphasizing teamwork as the 'Bows prepare for the season opener Friday against San Diego.

"I don't think we have that one guy who is capable of just taking over a game and carrying the team," Nash said. "But we have a lot of guys who can play, and we're going to use all of those guys if that's what it takes to win the game."

Through the first three weeks of practice, there has been competition for starting roles at all five positions. Nash has been giving his veterans — there are seven seniors on the roster — the first shot, but some of the newcomers have been impressive.

A breakdown of the 'Bows, by position:

POINT GUARD

Candidates

     Ht. Wt. Cl.

Kareem Nitoto 6-3 185 Fr.

Gary Satterwhite 6-3 175 Fr.

Rundown

The 'Bows will run more this season than in years past, and the point guard position will be crucial.

Gibson, who is in his fourth season with the program, brings experience and is a scoring threat from anywhere on the court. He averaged 10.2 points and 3.5 assists per game as the starting point guard last season, and also tied for the team lead with 44 3-pointers.

"Last year, the offense was all about timing and positioning," Gibson said. "This year it's more about speed and beating the other team down the floor. It's my job to make it work — deciding whether to push it or slow it down. I like having that responsibility."

Nitoto is an athletic true freshman who is exciting in the open court.

Early-season scenario

Gibson will be the starter, although he will need to keep his fiery style under control to stay on the court.

Nitoto will play a valuable reserve role, and he is the point guard of the future. Satterwhite will be part of the scout team.

NASH'S TAKE

"Little Matt will have to be more of a leader, and he needs to understand that he doesn't need to score every point for us. His job will be to set everybody up for open shots, including himself. Kareem is young, but he's a true point guard. He's still learning the position and the system."

SHOOTING GUARD

Candidates

     Ht. Wt. Cl.

Jared Dillinger 6-5 200 Sr.

Conrad Fitzgerald 6-4 208 Fr.

Riley Luettgerodt 6-5 210 Sr.

Rundown

One of the keys to success this season may be replacing Matt Lojeski, last season's leading scorer.

Dillinger did not see much action as a junior, but is the most improved player from last season. He is capable of scoring from inside or out.

"I like to think there's no drop-off no matter who's in there," he said. "I think I can be a spark for this team — hit the open shot, rebounding, whatever it takes."

Luettgerodt is also an inside/outside scorer who should flourish in an up-tempo game. He averaged 6.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game as the sixth man last season.

"I think I can score the basketball, and bring some intensity on defense," he said.

Gibson and Bobby Nash could also move to the "2" guard, if needed.

Early-season scenario

Luettgerodt should start, and could even emerge as the "go-to" player. Dillinger will see lots of minutes, whether he starts or not.

Fitzgerald and Albrechtson are true freshman who will help the scout team.

Nash's take

"We have a couple of big, strong guys in Riley and Jared who can score from that position, which is what you want. What they have to work on now is recognizing what a good shot is and when to take it."

SMALL FORWARD

Candidates

     Ht. Wt. Cl.

Adhar Mayen 6-7 185 Fr.

Bobby Nash 6-6 200 Sr.

Rundown

In Bob Nash's system, the shooting guard and small forward positions are almost interchangeable, especially in the running game.

Bobby Nash, the coach's son who is in his fifth year with the program, is the leading returning scorer from last season. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game as a junior.

"Historically, a lot of the pressure has been on the 2 guard to score here," Bobby said. "But I think the 3 spot will get a lot of scoring opportunities this year."

Mayen is an intriguing prospect. His long arms and jumping ability help him grab rebounds, but he also has shooting range out to the 3-point line.

Luettgerodt and Dillinger could also move to small forward, if needed.

Early-season scenario

Bobby Nash is entrenched as a starter, and his leadership will be as valuable as his all-around game.

Mayen needs to gain strength, but he has the skills to become a factor. He missed nearly two weeks of practice awaiting medical clearance, so he has some catching up to do.

Nash's take

"Bobby obviously has been with us a long time, so he knows the system. He's a smart player and he knows what it takes, whether it's shooting from the perimeter or going inside. Adhar, it's unfortunate he's been slowed by his problem, but I see him in the mix by the time the season starts."

POWER FORWARD

Candidates

     Ht. Wt. Cl.

P.J. Owsley 6-8 245 Sr.

Alex Veit 6-8 230 Sr.

Rundown

The "big men" will be included in Nash's running game, which should lead to more scoring opportunities.

Owsley started the final 23 games of last season, averaging 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds as a junior.

"My goal is to up those numbers," Owsley said. "We have a lot of depth this year, so you really have to make the most of your time when you do get a chance."

Veit saw little action as a junior last season, but he has gained strength and is the most athletic of UH's "big men."

Amis has a nice shooting touch around the basket, and is quickly picking up the system in his first season.

If the 'Bows want to go with a smaller, quicker lineup, Bobby Nash is capable of moving to power forward.

Early-season scenario

Owsley should get the starting nod, based on his experience and consistency.

Amis, who can also play small forward or center, could be the first big man off the bench and should push for a starting role all season.

Veit could also be a valuable reserve, especially if the 'Bows get their running game going.

Nash's take

"P.J. brought consistency last year, but we need more out of him. He can step out and hit that mid-range jump shot, but so can Bill and Alex. If they do that, it stretches the defense and creates openings for everybody else."

CENTER

Candidates

     Ht. Wt. Cl.

Stephen Verwers 6-11 255 Sr.

Rundown

The 'Bows will likely use a variety of defenses this season, and the center position will have to play a key role near the basket. The 'Bows will also have to replace last season's center, Ahmet Gueye, who averaged 12.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and was a defensive stalwart.

Verwers opened last season as a starter, but eventually became a reserve. He is the biggest and strongest player on the roster.

Campbell is a capable defensive player.

"I think we bring something different to the table," Verwers said. "I'm kind of a big, back-to-the-basket guy who likes to battle under the basket. Paul is long and he can jump, so he can block shots and rebound."

Amis, Owsley, or even Bobby Nash also could move over to play center.

Early-season scenario

Verwers should be the opening-day starter because of his strength and experience. He had a tendency to get into foul trouble last season, so Campbell could play a valuable reserve role. However, both players are somewhat limited on offense, so Nash could tinker with various smaller lineups.

Nash's take

"I think Stephen and Paul give you different looks inside. Stephen has the size to go against bigger guys; Paul has the athleticism to run the floor. Depending on what the other team has, we feel like we can counter."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.