Exhibition Night: UH vs. HPU
In an impressive preview, the Rainbow Warriors overpowered HPU, 81-45, in an exhibition tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Zigmars Raimo led the way with 20 points (a career high, if the game had counted).
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The Rainbow Warriors, led by a share-the-wealth offense and Zigmars Raimo’s point-thirsty play, dominated in taking a 41-23 lead over HPU into the intermission.
Raimo, a 6-foot-8 junior, scored all of his 12 first-half points in the low post.
The ‘Bows limited the Sharks to 7-of-26 shooting, including 3-of-13 from beyond the 3-point arc.
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In a spectacular sequence, Zigmars Raimo scooped a loose ball at midcourt, drove and … dunked!
On the ensuing HPU possession, Raimo took a charge.
‘Bows are up 40-21 with 3:14 left in the first half.
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Rainbow Warriors jump out to 8-2 with 15:45 left in the first half.
They’re displaying sizable spacing and even better passing. Jack Purchase fired a pass to Zigmars Raimo for a layup. Soon after, Raimo returned the favor with a scoop pass to a cutting Purchase.
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Hawaii opens with Brocke Stepteau, Drew Buggs, Brandon Thomas, Jack Purchase and Zigmars Raimo.
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The basketball Warriors will offer a preview with tonight’s exhibition against cross-town opponent HPU.
The ‘Bows have several combinations they might utilize, from a traditional lineup with a back-to-the-basket center (Mate Colina) to a backcourt of two point guards or three guards.
We’ll keep you updated.
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ESPN 1420 AM also will be offering commentary, with the stylings of Bobby Curran and Jeffrey Portnoy.
We welcome your respectful comments.
Team looks good so far. They are spacing the floor well.
I know this is just an exhibition game, but Raimo looks like a totally new player from the last 2 seasons. Playing really physical and spreading the ball well. I’m just amazed at his transformation during his time in Manoa.
Against DII competition, you would hope that Hawaii could shoot better than 33% from three-point range.
Does anybody recognize how Bowie-esque Raimo’s first name is?
It’s practically an encapsulation of David Bowie’s first four years of his career; his glam period.
During the Riley Wallace years, somebody would notice this, and dress up Raimo as Bowie on opening night.
Fresno State Athletics receives some $19 million from the Cal Legislature annually (in a state that is broke?). UH AD is asking for $3 million in assistance from the Hawaii Legislature. Local people in power just don’t see the correlation, while others simply believe it’s just a matter of firing/hiring this or that coach. The football program will do the best they can with what they have, but this isn’t 1992 or 2006 any more.
UH has a coach in Rolo who knows what he’s doing and has a plan as opposed to just saying “We gotta work harder” like the previous coach. UH & the State needs to give Rolo what they need to be competitive in the MWC or else membership will be threatened due to a lack of commitment, resulting in mediocre performances on the field.
Opposing MWC teams will continue to enjoy their chartered flights to Hawaii, while UH will fly commercial and take 3 hour bus rides.
5. According to the below 2017 report, UH received $19 million from “School Funds” which is support from the university including state funds and other things.
Fresno St received $16.2 million.
( Click on the “Hawaii” in the left column for a breakdown of Revenues.
Methodology link is at bottom of the report. )
http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/finances/
I just wish the Oracle founder that bought the island of Lanai. Cant think of his name right now would show just a bit of sympathy toward UH athletics and just donate a few million which wouldnt hurt his pocketbook at all. Even the Ebay founder lives here and will not even look at UH’s financial woes.
Short-sighted government doesn’t realize the economic impact of UH football, yet wants to put money into one-time MMA fights and other ridiculous ventures.
We will see if our QB has developed some depth perception, peripheral vision and not lollygag decisions to run. Going to have to score a lot to keep up cause Utah State will. UH should be able to pass better this week. We’ll see.
I hope Batoon can simplify his defensive scheme and let the handful of playmakers he does have “wreck shop”. More deep safety help, physical coverage on the edges and lots of penetration from Zeno, Thomas and Padello. Pavihi and Scott can “bring da hammah”. Bethley and Sanitoa can fly around and “muck-up” the mid-range. Blessman. Kendall and Akoteu can come out like caged animals and “pound” the middle. And Mautautia can do what he does best and make “huge” big time plays. Brah! they can do this. Just free the mind and let the “heart and soul” take over. D-Fence, D-Fence!!! The Future (life without Tavai) starts tonight, will build some momentum for next season. Can do.
#7 warriorsanddolphins commented that “Even the Ebay founder lives here and will not even look at UH’s financial woes.”
True but while Ellison, the Oracle man has not donated (as far as I know) a cent to UH or any other Hawaii institutions. Pierre Omidyar has given $5M to one. Maybe he is not interested in UH or its football program.
On the other hand, I know of one person that had donated about $2.5 to the UH football; another who has sprinkled 7M among various UH teams – these being transplant Mainland people who now call Hawaii their home and Hawaii their team.Now, if we could convince more of those transplants to do the same, it would be great.
It might even be greater if us nickle and dime types would do a little contributing ourselves instead of asking others to do so.
A little less worry about execution and more focus on “execution”. Let’s do this! Get “NUTS”. Everybody (FANS TOO!) Cheeeehoooo!!!!
#7 and #11.
ebay founder wanted to, or has opened, a STINKY dairy farm
on Kauai. Near Poipu Beach, I think.
#7; 11; and 13.
KAUAI: Face book founder buys large parcel of land,
then acquires the smaller inner parcels through ” quit claim “.
Looking to acquire more.
Oracle guy made large donation to USC, either the medical school
or the acting-theater-movie school. As if USC is hurting for money.
Spends millions and millions on designing-building-racing the
Super Duper yachts.
Shut down Island Air after losing a few paltry millions.
Wish he would spend his pocket change here.
This little tidbit of info back during the Wyoming game, we googled to find out what kind of injury our QB had and the info said there was some kind of attitude problem between Cole and coaching. Something about missing a practice and argument. Then later the report says it was an undisclosed injury. We may have a problem the way the team has played recently-could be a reaction to this incident or more. We’ll see. Bring in Moussa already and let em fly.
the Oracle guy’s name is Larry Ellison. Used to bring in his yacht like boat and docked at Kewalo Basin. Reportedly has a basketball court inside the boat. Read and heard he has an attitude. Not good for UH as a donor but who knows.
“Oracle guy” wants to put money on a sure thing after investing in Theranos.
If Lahainaluna High can attract a generous donation from the late Sue Cooley, a part-time Maui resident, that funded a new field and stadium, maybe UH could too? Seems to be a disconnect between UH and the community, particularly wealthy ones who live here.
http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Volunteers/Pages/Sue-Cooley.aspx
19.
I googled Sue Cooley.
She was also a patron of the arts.
Sports and art.
I strive for this sort of balance.
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