For starters, there are no starters yet for the University of Hawaii men's basketball team.

After one week of practices, the Rainbow Warriors remain a work in progress, with head coach Bob Nash still in search of "competitors" to fill the starting lineup.

"It changes every day, but what I like is that there is a lot of competition at every position," Nash said. "I think, based on our experience, our offense is further along than we were a year ago. We just have to get better defensively and get a lot more intense."

Several 'Bows have missed practices due to various injuries, allowing the coaches to experiment with different lineups.

Ready or not, the 'Bows have one more week before taking their first quiz — an exhibition game against Hawaii-Hilo on Friday.

"That's our first chance to see how far we've come," Nash said. "We've had guys sitting out with bumps and bruises, so we'll go with who ever is ready."

Here is an early progress report, position by position:

POINT GUARD

Leading candidates: Jeremy Lay (6-0, 185, Jr.), Hiram Thompson (6-2, 175, Jr.).

For now: Thompson's experience — and good health — gives him the early advantage. He has also developed a consistent shot from long range.

"This summer I worked hard on my shot so my confidence is high right now," he said.

For later: Lay, who has been bothered by a groin injury recently, should eventually share the role with Thompson, regardless of who starts. When healthy, Lay can also be an offensive weapon.

SHOOTING GUARD

Leading candidates: Leroy Lutu Jr. (6-3, 200, So.), Dwain Williams (6-0, 175, Jr.).

For now: Williams' shooting prowess has been as advertised — at least in the first week of practice. What's more, he has adapted quickly to the team's offensive schemes.

"I'm prepared to do what ever the coaches ask me," he said.

For later: Williams may be counted on to play marathon minutes. Lutu is strong and athletic, and should play a valuable reserve role.

SMALL FORWARD

Leading candidates: Roderick Flemings (6-7, 225, Sr.), Adhar Mayen (6-8, 195, Sr.).

For now: Flemings has been slowed by an abdominal injury during the first week of practice, but is still clearly the team's most gifted player.

For later: Much of Hawaii's success rides on the broad shoulders of Flemings. He needs to be healthy and productive.

POWER FORWARD

Leading candidates: Bill Amis (6-9, 220, Sr.), Brandon Adams (6-7, 220, Sr.).

For now: Amis has been a starter since his sophomore season, so he brings both experience and leadership.

"I'm going to do what ever it takes to help this team win," he said. "Whether that's scoring or rebounding, that's what I'll do."

For later: Amis should get most of the minutes, but the athletic Adams should be a key contributor.

CENTER

Leading candidates: Petras Balocka (6-8, 250, Sr.), Paul Campbell (6-10, 215, Sr.), Douglas Kurtz (7-0, 270, Jr.).

For now: Campbell is much improved and Balocka has a rare combination of brute strength and a soft shooting touch. They are currently waged in a tight battle for the role.

For later: Kurtz has not yet practiced this season due to a knee injury, so it may take him a while to catch up. Once he is healthy, it will give the 'Bows three legitimate "big men" to choose from.

"They're banging against each other every day, and that's only going to make them all better," Nash said.