The return of a point guard should help the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team return to scoring more points this week.

Point guard Hiram Thompson was able to practice with the Rainbow Warriors yesterday for the first time in more than a week. He sat out the last two games — both losses on the road — with a hamstring injury.

"I have to be smart with this injury," Thompson said. "Hamstrings are hard to heal. I wanted to play really bad, but I knew the best thing was to stay off it and let it get stronger."

Whether he starts or not, Thompson should be able to contribute when the 'Bows host San Jose State in a Western Athletic Conference game tomorrow at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Without Thompson, Hawai'i averaged 48 points per game and shot 31.6 percent from the field in losses at Idaho and Boise State last week.

Hawai'i is 9-7 overall and 1-3 in the WAC. The Spartans are 7-8 and 1-3. The teams are tied for sixth place in the nine-team WAC.

Thompson, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, has been bothered by pulled hamstrings in both legs. He has played in just nine games, and is averaging 2.6 points and 2.2 assists per game.

"I probably won't be 100 percent this whole year," Thompson said. "I just have to play through it and overcome it. I can still play with confidence."

Thompson's presence on the court should help the 'Bows in various ways.

"Hiram brings leadership, and he understands what we want to get done better than anybody," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said.

Thompson is expected to split playing time at point guard with sophomore Kareem Nitoto.

"We look at that as a good combination," Nash said. "There are things that Hiram is strong at, and other things Kareem is strong at. With Kareem ... I don't think there's a better on-ball defender on this team, so we need his defense out there."

Nitoto is averaging 4.9 points and 3.4 assists per game.

The duo will have to be alert tomorrow against a San Jose State team that is averaging 7.1 steals per game.

Spartans' point guard Justin Graham leads the WAC in steals with 2.1 per game, and the 'Bows lead the WAC in turnovers with 16.7 per game.

"We just have to play smart," Thompson said. "Teams are trying to pressure us, and we tend to get out of control, at times."

The return of Thompson will also allow Lasha Parghalava to see more time at shooting guard. Parghalava was filling in at point guard while Thompson was out.

"When Lasha has to dribble and think about running the team, it affects his ability to just catch and shoot the ball," Nash said. "If we need him at (point guard), he can still help us, but he's best at the (shooting guard)."

'BOWS ON WIND WATCH

Because the UH-Manoa campus is closed today due to the forecast of strong winds, it could affect the preparation plans for both Hawai'i and San Jose State.

Nash said he would not know until today whether the 'Bows will be allowed to practice.

"We want to practice — it's the day before a game — but if we can't for safety reasons, then we'll deal with it," Nash said. "Hopefully, the storm passes and everything is OK."

The Spartans are scheduled to arrive in Honolulu today, assuming their flight schedule is not changed due to the weather conditions. They are also scheduled to practice at UH tonight.