The University of Hawaii men's basketball team has yet to play a game this season, but it is already receiving wake-up calls.

The Rainbow Warriors will practice in the mornings this season, breaking a long tradition of late-afternoon practices.

"We wanted to change it up a little bit," Hawaii head coach Bob Nash said. "We're trying to give the guys more time in the afternoon to get other things done, whether it be school work, or lifting, or coming in to watch films. Even if they want to catch up on some sleep, they can do that, as long as they don't miss class or study hall."

The 'Bows are scheduled to practice from 7 to 9 a.m. during the weekdays.

Most of the players are still getting used to the early starts.

"I'm not really a morning person," senior forward Roderick Flemings said. "But you wake up and you get your day going. You get to class and get breakfast after practice, so that's a good thing."

Nash said the morning practices also offer a cooler setting in Gym II, where the 'Bows normally train. In recent years, several players have dropped significant pounds while practicing in the afternoon heat of the non-air conditioned practice gym.

"We hope it'll keep our guys stronger as the year goes forward," Nash said.

Junior point guard Hiram Thompson said he got used to early mornings when he served on a church mission from 2006-08.

"My mission helped me a lot because we had to be up by 6 (a.m.)," he said. "I like the morning. It gets you up and going for the rest of the day. It gives you your mid-day to relax."

Senior forward Bill Amis said he is fortunate to have a human alarm clock for a roommate — Thompson.

"He helps wake me up in the morning," Amis said.

One of the benefits of the morning practices is a breakfast buffet for the team after each practice.

"It's been nice having a little energy for class," Amis said. "It's pretty good. It's a solid breakfast."

The buffet usually includes pancakes or waffles, a variety of cereals, fruits, rice, hash browns, scrambled eggs and a selection of breakfast meats. Yes, even spam.

"A lot of guys don't like it that much, but I like it," Amis said.

Another spam fan is Thompson. He has Hawaii ties (his paternal grandparents live in Läie), so he is familiar with many of the local customs, including shoyu on the rice.

"Breakfast is definitely a plus," he said.

'BOWS BATTLING INJURIES

Several 'Bows have missed recent practice time due to "minor" injuries.

Flemings (groin), Amis (ankle), Adhar Mayen (head) and Douglas Kurtz (knee) were limited at one time or another during yesterday's morning workout.

"This is the time of year where we're extending the hours of practice and the guys are going harder, so you're going to see some guys tweak ankles and get bumps and bruises," Nash said. "It's an ugly part of the game, but it's part of the game. You just make adjustments when it happens."

During one five-on-five drill yesterday, 6-foot-2 Hiram Thompson filled in as the small forward on the first unit.

"It's good to run other positions so you can know what to expect from your teammates," he said.

Nash said: "We envision a time when Hiram, or some other guys, will have to play more than one position. This gives us a chance to put it in early. The only negative is it's still very early and we're trying to put our team together right now."