It was apparent early on that whoever took over the downtrodden University of Hawai'i women's basketball program faced a considerable — if not almost Sisyphean — task in returning the Rainbow Wahine to conference prominence.

The other day we got something of a symbolic picture of how tall, at least in one aspect, that challenge looms when the new coach, Dana Takahara-Dias, who played at 5 feet, 4 inches, said she tentatively plans to coach the post players, who run to a foot taller.

Now, nobody should doubt she has the understanding of the fundamentals, not to mention the pluck, to pull it off.

But it is among the areas where that still-to-be-filled position for a third assistant coach could come in handy. A spot you would hope goes to someone outside the family for considerations of diversity and perspective more than height.

The Rainbow Wahine staff, as it is now being assembled, is very much family. Green and white to the marrow.

Takahara-Dias played and coached at UH. Associate head coach and former teammate Da Houl spent 16 years there as a player and assistant. Another assistant, Serenda Valdez, spent a dozen years on the sidelines.

All three are from the Vince Goo family tree and there is good in that, he being the school's most successful basketball coach and setter of the standard for the Rainbow Wahine. Not a bad model to follow and one UH would have done well to have emulated five years ago.

Takahara-Dias has maintained that, much as she plans to draw on the Goo legacy, she also has her own ideas. Anyone who has dealt with her understands independence to be a strong trait.

So it was encouraging to hear her say that she is looking for the best available fit for the final full-time assistant. That she has not ruled out a number of possibilities that would add to the mix and extend the expertise. An experienced and in-touch Mainland recruiter, perhaps? Someone with strong Australia ties?

Too often at UH we've seen coaches surround themselves with aides who provided comfort more than contrast. Familiarity has often been prized over fresh ideas. Unfortunately, many times perspective — and wins — have suffered for it.

Takahara-Dias has her work cut out for her at UH. A pair of hands from the outside to help do the cutting now wouldn't be a bad idea.