Leroy Lutu Jr.'s freshman orientation with the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is going at a fastbreak pace.

Due in part to injuries and illnesses to other players, Lutu has elevated to the second team as a point guard.

Lutu is a true freshman who was invited to the Rainbow Warriors as a walk-on.

"I'm so grateful for the chance that the coaches are giving me," he said. "I'm definitely trying to make the most of it every day in practice."

Sophomore Kareem Nitoto is at the top of the point guard depth chart. Fellow sophomore Hiram Thompson was supposed to battle for the starting role, but he has not participated in practices since last week due to a nagging hamstring injury and illness.

Also, redshirt freshman Gary Satterwhite — also a walk-on — is out with a shoulder injury. He was the point guard on last season's scout team.

"When other guys go down, others have to step up," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "Leroy is getting extended minutes in practice right now and he's doing the best he can. He's shown what a good athlete he is, but he still has to learn the system a little more."

Lutu, who is 6 feet 3 and 200 pounds, averaged 18.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game last season at Mercer Island High in Washington. His father was a standout football and basketball player at University High from 1977-80.

"The speed and physicality on this level is way higher," Lutu said. "But I'm out there trying to compete for a scholarship for next year, so I'm going to put all the extra time to get better."

The 'Bows went through a series of full-court drills yesterday, complete with actual referees. Nitoto led the first team; Lutu guided the second team.

"It was good to have the refs today because it was more game-like," Lutu said. "Normally, we're being over-aggressive, but we had to play more under control today."

Nitoto was joined on the first team by Lasha Parghalava at shooting guard, Roderick Flemings at small forward, Bill Amis at power forward, and Petras Balocka at center. For the most part, that group dominated the scoring.

"We're getting there," Amis said. "We're still a work in progress — not in midseason form or anything like that. But I think we're ready to play."

Flemings was limited due to a sprained right ankle, so Brandon Adams rotated with the first unit.

"We're definitely starting to jell," Amis said. "Once Rod starts rotating in a little more, it should progress even more."

EXHIBITION GAME AND AUTOGRAPHS ON SUNDAY

The 'Bows' first public appearance is scheduled for Sunday when they host Hawai'i-Hilo in an exhibition game. It is scheduled to start at 5:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

All seats are general admission, and ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. UH students can attend for free.

The 'Bows will be available for autographs and photographs after the game, and posters will be distributed for free.

BASKETBALL CLASS FOR BOOSTER CLUB TONIGHT

Basketball 101 — an introductory to UH basketball — will take place today around 5:30 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center, following the team's practice session.

Nash said the UH players and coaches will go over some of the practice routines with members of the basketball booster club.

"We're going to talk about what we do every day in practice — give the boosters a better idea of what we do to prepare ourselves," Nash said.

The session — which will include dinner — is open only to members of the Rainbow Warrior Basketball Booster Club. For information on membership, call 956-6501.

"People can still sign up," Nash said. "We welcome anybody."