In the process of mixing and matching lineups this preseason, the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team has discovered at least one surprise.

Jared Dillinger, who joined the program as a walk-on two years ago, is battling for a starting spot this week as the Rainbow Warriors prepare to open the 2007-08 season against San Diego on Friday.

Dillinger, a 6-foot-5 senior, worked with the first team as a small forward at yesterday's practice.

"I'm looking at it as, we have a game to prepare for on Friday, and I need to do my part to help the team win," Dillinger said. "I'm not looking at it any different just because I have a chance to start."

Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said he is still not sure which five players will start on Friday.

"We'll see how things go the rest of this week," Nash said. "There are a lot of possibilities, and Jared has certainly put himself in position to be considered along with a bunch of other guys."

The move is somewhat of a surprise based on last season. As a junior, Dillinger played a total of six minutes the entire season. He did not even get on the court for the final 11 games of the year.

"Last year, my job was on the scout team," Dillinger said. "And I had to play (power forward) a lot. This year, I'm getting more time at guard, and that's more natural for me."

The move is not surprising based on the preseason practices.

Dillinger has been an effective scorer from inside and out for the past three weeks, and is also a capable defender.

"I definitely have a lot more confidence from last year," he said. "I think it's because I'm getting more of an opportunity."

The first team at yesterday's practice featured Matt Gibson at point guard, Riley Luettgerodt at shooting guard, Dillinger at small forward, Bobby Nash at power forward, and either P.J. Owsley or Stephen Verwers at center.

"That lineup allows us to be quick," Nash said. "We can put four shooters out there, and it gives us some versatility. At the same time, we can still go big by bringing other guys in."

Luettgerodt said: "In the course of a game, we'll use a lot of different lineups anyway, so I don't know if it matters much right now. You just have to be ready to contribute at any time, whether you're starting or not."

USD 'A TOUGH OPENER'

San Diego finished 18-14 last season and placed fifth in the West Coast Conference.

Like Hawai'i, the Toreros have a new head coach this season.

Bill Grier is in his first season at USD after 16 seasons as an assistant at Gonzaga.

"This is not going to be a cake walk," Nash said. "We have to be at our best if we want to have a chance to win. This is a tough opener for us."

Two Toreros — 6-7 forward Gyno Pomare and 6-foot point guard Brandon Johnson — were named to the preseason all-conference team.

"They're on TV a lot, so I've seen them play," Luettgerodt said of USD. "They're a good mid-major team — better than people think. It should be a good game."

A spokesman for USD said the team was not directly affected by the wildfires that burned through Southern California in October.

Classes on the USD campus were canceled for a week, but the team continued to practice.

UH STUDENTS GET IN FREE

Friday's game is being promoted as "Student Night," and UH students with valid identification can receive a free ticket for an upper level seat.

The tickets are currently available at the Stan Sheriff Center box office, and can be picked up today through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.