Illinois will be big challenge for 'Bows
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
| |||
 |
|
||
|
|||
|
|
||
University of Hawai'i men's basketball coach Bob Nash likes to say that every game is a big game for the Rainbow Warriors.
In truth, tonight will be the biggest game of the early-season for the 'Bows when they host Illinois at 8:05 at the Stan Sheriff Center.
There are no Top 25 teams on Hawai'i's schedule this season, so the Illini may be as big as it gets ... in more ways than one.
"We have to focus on one game at a time, and not worry about what happens down the road," Nash said. "And what's in front of us right now is a big team from the Big Ten called Illinois."
The Fighting Illini are not ranked in the Top 25 polls, but they are considered one of the top basketball programs in the country.
Consider this:
This season, Illinois is 1-0 after a 63-55 home victory over Northeastern on Friday.
Three starters return from last season for the Illini, led by 6-foot-10, 245-pound senior center Shaun Pruitt. He had 12 points and 17 rebounds in the victory over Northeastern.
The Illini also have 6-8 Brian Randle and 6-7 Rodney Alexander on the starting frontline.
"We know they're big. That's fine," Hawai'i forward Bobby Nash said. "We just have to counter them, make sure every possession we get is a success."
Hawai'i's Stephen Verwers, a 6-11, 255-pound senior, will battle Pruitt tonight.
"I have to play my best," Verwers said. "I just have to know where he is at all times. They're a big, physical team, so we really have to make sure we focus on boxing out and rebounding."
Illinois finished fourth in the nation last season in scoring defense, allowing just 57.1 points per game.
"They're very patient, and very deliberate in what they do offensively," Bob Nash said. "On defense, they're always in position, and they have great athletes at every spot. You have to play your best game to beat them because they're not the kind of team that will beat themselves."
For the second consecutive game, the 'Bows will be without starting point guard Matt Gibson. He still has not been cleared to practice since injuring his left knee last Wednesday.
"We've practiced all week without him, so we're prepared," Bob Nash said. "We have a lot of different combinations we can use."
Bobby Nash and true freshman Kareem Nitoto will probably split time at point guard, although seniors Jared Dillinger and Riley Luettgerodt could also fill in.
The 'Bows will probably suit up just 10 players tonight, and Bob Nash said it may take all 10 to run down the Illini.
"We want to use our speed; we want to run every game," Nash said.
Perhaps as added incentive, the 'Bows will bust out new shoes tonight — adidas brand, white with green trim.
The 'Bows, however, say they are motivated enough.
"It's a regular game, and we just need a win," Luettgerodt said. "But we're definitely more hyped for this one. We're the underdogs, but it's on our court, so we're confident."
NOTES
The ESPN2 telecast of the Hawai'i football game against Nevada will be shown on the large video screens in the Sheriff Center before tonight's basketball game, and during timeouts.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.
• • •
