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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, March 8, 2010

UH players say Nash didn't discuss future


By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team arrived safely in Honolulu last night.

The future of head coach Bob Nash, however, remains turbulent — and shrouded.

A decision on Nash's future as head coach of the Rainbow Warriors could come this week. As of last night, his players had no idea what was going on with the coaching situation.

"He didn't really say anything about that," senior forward Roderick Flemings said. "He talked to us after the game (at Idaho) about the season and stuff like that. He just told us that he enjoyed us playing hard for him."

Junior point guard and team captain Hiram Thompson said: "We didn't really talk about the future, but I'm sure we will at some point. We talked about the ups and downs of the season, and whoever was there at the end gave it their all. We focused on the positive things."

Hawai'i's season ended with a 72-63 loss at Idaho on Saturday. With that, the 'Bows finished 10-20 overall and in last place in the Western Athletic Conference at 3-13.

They are the only men's team not in Reno, Nev., this week for the WAC Tournament. As the last-place team, the 'Bows did not qualify.

Hawai'i closed the season by losing 11 of its last 12 games, fueling speculation that Nash may be asked not to return next season. He has one season remaining on his current contract.

Nash has not commented to the media since the season-ending loss at Idaho.

Thompson, the only starter eligible to return next season, said he would prefer to play for Nash.

"We have a good relationship and I know what to expect from him," Thompson said. "There's definitely a bright future for next year with the personnel we have coming in."

The 'Bows had three redshirt players this season, and at least two are expected to make an immediate impact — forward Bill Amis and guard Zane Johnson.

Amis was a starter for Nash as a sophomore and junior, but sat out this season with an injured foot. Johnson, a former starter at Arizona, is recovering from a knee injury.

Other key players eligible to return are Jeremy Lay, Leroy Lutu Jr., Ji Xiang and Douglas Kurtz.

Dwain Williams, the team's top shooter, is eligible to return but his status is unknown. He ended this season on indefinite suspension.