Born in Wroclaw, Poland, indoctrinated in all things Americana in Weatherford, Texas and now steeped in the poi-dog culture of rubbah slippahs and late-night gyoza in Honolulu, itinerant post patroller Iwona Zagrobelna has proved herself nothing if not adaptable.

But, to be sure, there are some basketball truths she holds to be self-evident: Real ballers can go left. Open man shoots the ball. Everybody rebounds. Everybody defends.

It's a belief system that meshes well with University of Hawai'i women's basketball coach Jim Bolla's share-the-ball, share-the-responsibility system.

The Rainbow Wahine, back home after a grueling 1-3 road trip to open the conference season, face Boise State tonight at 7 at Stan Sheriff Center.

If UH (7-10, 1-3 Western Athletic Conference) is to reverse its recent fortunes, it'll need continued production from its 6-foot-4 reserve center.

Zagrobelna tied a career high with 18 points in just 22 minutes against Utah State last week. She's averaging nine points and five rebounds per game. Offensively, Zagrobelna has been a model of efficiency, converting 53.8 percent of her field-goal attempts — second in the WAC.

"She's been playing more aggressively," Bolla said. "She can shoot, and she's been doing a good job of taking it to the hoop."

Zagrobelna attended a basketball academy in Poland, where, in typical European fashion, she was made to master a full basketball skill set rather than focusing solely on post play.

"We concentrated on basketball 24 hours a day, seven days a week," she said. "We had to learn how to do everything. So, I can dribble left and right, shoot from the outside, pass."

Zagrobelna, who spent two years at Weatherford College in Texas, said it took time to adjust to the American style of play.

"In Europe, there is more structure," she said. "It's based more on the team. That's why I like it here, because no one player dominates every game."

Zagrobelna was being pursued by Oregon State and Texas Christian when she made her recruiting visit to Hawai'i two years ago.

"When I got here, I loved it," she said. "So I canceled all my other visits. The other schools weren't too happy, but it was a great decision for me."

Zagrobelna says she loves the diversity of the state and the hospitality that's been extended to her. The gyoza isn't bad, either.

"I go to Ezogiku with the local girls and have gyoza and rice," she says. "I enjoy that a lot."

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.