The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team will move forward this season without starting forward Bill Amis.

Amis said yesterday he will redshirt this season because of his injured right foot.

"I just thought it was the right choice to make," he said. "I don't think I can come back in the next month, and with the risk of re-injury, it's not worth it trying to rush and come back."

Amis, a 6-foot-9 power forward, was a starter as a sophomore and junior. He averaged 10.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a junior last season, and was elected a team captain this season.

"We had hoped he could be ready by (next week), but obviously he's not, so it's best to shut it down and get him ready for next year," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said.

Amis tore the plantar fascia in his right foot during an exhibition game Nov. 5.

"I can walk on it and maybe jog a little bit, but I can't run and cut, so it's still a long ways away," Amis said.

The Rainbow Warriors are 5-4 without Amis this season. However, he will continue to be a presence at practices and games.

"I still want to try and lead the team as much as I can," he said.

Hawai'i's next game is Dec. 22, when it hosts the College of Charleston in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

LEAHEY ON ESPNU

Kanoa Leahey has been selected to do the play-by-play for three of the nationally televised games of the Diamond Head Classic.

Leahey, the sports director at KHON2, said he was informed last week.

"Chris McLachlin made the suggestion to the people at ESPN, and so they called me," Leahey said. "It's a great opportunity and a great challenge, but it's not about me. The main thing I want to do is represent Hawai'i and the tournament in the right way."

All of Leahey's games will be on ESPNU, including the Hawai'i-Charleston game.