There will be no public fanfare when the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team starts practicing on Oct. 16.

For the second consecutive year, the Rainbow Warriors will open their season with a closed-door practice, instead of an open festival.

"Rather than going into a midnight madness thing, where guys are trying to do more than they're capable of and perhaps get an injury, I think it's more important for us to get a full practice in at this time," head coach Bob Nash said.

From 1988 to 2007, the UH basketball teams were unveiled to the public during a carnival-like atmosphere that included slam-dunk contests, 3-point shootouts and intrasquad scrimmages.

At the last "Twilight 'Ohana" in 2007, forward Ji Xiang tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and missed the entire season.

Nash decided last year to halt the traditional festival in favor of a full practice.

He was quick to point out that the fans will have opportunities to see the 'Bows in action before the season opener against Southern Utah on Nov. 13.

In particular, the 'Bows will host exhibition games against Hawai'i-Hilo on Oct. 30, and then Brigham Young-Hawai'i on Nov. 5.

"We do want to give the public an opportunity to see this team, but I want them to see us when we're a little further along," Nash said.

Nash added that the team may have preseason intrasquad scrimmages that could be open to the public.

Ten players return from last season's 13-17 team, including the top three scorers and rebounders: Roderick Flemings, Bill Amis and Petras Balocka.

Three hyped recruits have been added to the mix: guards Jeremy Lay and Dwain Williams, and 7-foot center Douglas Kurtz.

The players have started preseason training.

"We get to work with them for two hours a week, so we're building on team stuff, getting all our principles in," Nash said.