Remember when the biggest late-season controversy surrounding the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team used to be whether it would make the NCAA Tournament?

Back amid a string of 11 remarkable 20-win — or better — finishes in 14 years (1989-2002) it was the hot topic of Rainbow Wahine stretch runs.

But as the current Rainbow Wahine prepare for their final four games at home beginning Friday, the big questions are who will be coaching the team and whether their head coach, Jim Bolla, will be back?

Progress this isn't.

Nor has it to do with the team's 5-19 (2-9 conference) record that finds UH eighth in the nine-team Western Athletic Conference.

Word around campus is that the reason Bolla didn't make the Rainbow Wahine's recent road trip is that he has been placed on leave while the school investigates allegations of a physical confrontation involving a player during a practice earlier this season.

A spokesman for the Manoa Chancellor's office, where the case is being overseen, has refused to say anything beyond Bolla is on paid leave and there is no timetable for a decision about his return. Bolla has not returned calls to The Advertiser.

This is but the latest and most curious chapter surrounding Bolla's five-year tenure at UH. And it comes at a point at which all the players are Bolla's recruits and the program should be at its most solid footing since taking over from Vince Goo.

Yet, to glimpse the team, even on TV, is to perceive a continuing disconnect that gets in the way of it playing with efficiency.

We're told there have been allegations from players over the years — denied by Bolla — of mistreatment. As recently as last year UH looked into such claims voiced by players in annual postseason and exit evaluations. Word is officials issued Bolla a warning and brought in a consultant to help coaches better interact with their players.

Meanwhile the program is sliding to depths rarely seen at the school, not only on the court but at the box office. The way things are going, would anybody be surprised if it hit a record financial shortfall? Unlike Rainbow Wahine volleyball, women's basketball has never made money at UH and the aim has been to just not lose too much. But there are signs it might become the first to spend $1 million more than it brings in.

Even before this latest controversy you got the feeling things were bad enough on a couple fronts to tempt a buy-out if only the $240,000 on the two more years remaining on Bolla's contract wouldn't have added to the already fast-rising tide of red ink.

Meanwhile, UH labors toward the conclusion of a season that, thanks to this controversy, can't end swiftly enough.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.