Redshirts, anyone?
Hawaii coach Gib Arnold indicated earlier this preseason that he would make any determinations about this season’s redshirt players after the Brigham Young-Hawaii exhibition.
Well, that time has arrived.
The most logical candidate is true freshman Niko Filipovich, who spoke of a willingness to redshirt in the summer.
But UH’s recent injuries to guards Quincy Smith (back) and Brandon Spearman (ankle) have affected UH’s depth, meaning Filipovich will not be wearing street clothes, at least for the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Rainbow Classic.
“I had a good talk with him,” UH coach Gib Arnold said of Filipovich. “If I’m not feeling comfortable about (our depth), then he will play this year. I do think that Dyrbe (Enos) has come a long way, and I’m going to give him some looks at the point. I think he’s done a good job, but I think he’s a little more natural at the 2 guard than the point guard. Niki’s more of a pure point. So I’m going to suit Niki this tournament, and if I feel it’s necessary we’ll play him. And then maybe we’ll evaluate that redshirt year next year, because I got all those guys still coming back.”
Missouri transfer Negus Webster-Chan is an automatic redshirt per NCAA rules. He and injured players Caleb Dressler, and possibly Smith and Spearman should be the only ones not dressed this weekend.
Brian: With that huge roster, of scholie and preferred walkons, as well as a lot of guards and wings, a total of 16 possible active before start of season. I always, thought, and it has happened,..what if one,two or even three Key starters, first rotation guys went down, and UH MBB team as in the past only had 12 man active roster, they would be down to maybe 8 or 9, pretty rough. Now, although the guards and wings, AV and MT are young, having Dyrbe, and Nikola, who is a true PG, there is that backup plan. Good reasoning, and timely for Gib, if need be, let Niko play, he is going to be a good one, and if he is active this year, then can RS next year, or see how roster plays out! Brian, who would of thought, all the illness and injuries! It happens. However, if you check out, all the other NCAA D1 MBB team rosters throughout the country, I see most if not all have at least 15 ,some 16 guys on active roster, just in case!
If you play this year Niko, tear it up on the court, you will be a really good PG for UH!
Even Point Guards who ended up being Serviceable or Good (Troy took two years to be Effective Third Year; Shaquille Stokes might have been another full season away from eliminating turnovers; Manroop, Ozi all unknown after a Full Season) so while there are “Numbers” i think most walk-ons are at least one or two developmental years away from ‘stable courttime’ and we don’t know how much longer it will take ’til they have a chance to break even or Challenge to Wim, much less WIN with Any Consistency… There are ONLY FIVE Upperclassmen and MAYBE TWO Sophomores who can Win (Fotu, but he has NOT shown Killer Instinct OR Consistent Game-Winning Numbers 10-6 is a Good Role Player, NOT a Game Breaker, maybe Quincy IF he gets healthy); Freshmen, however good, ARE Only Wild Cards — Fotu “Won” maybe One or Two Games AS Freshman-of-the-Year? (Almost always solid other games but that’s .500 Ball)
The Very Young Teams of the Last Two Years are One Win over .500
K-Bay: This is a big year for Gib, year 4, to win and go NIT or NCAA, with those untimely injury, he has to put bodies out there who could at least give, Nevels, Sham some rest. I think as Brian stated before, Dyrbe, quite serviceable, however even he admits he is more a 2 guard. Niko, he is a real PG, pass, set up guys first, however, if open, or need be , he is not afraid to shoot if from mid to 3, and occasional go to rim. He is very, young, and not too strong, however, for Gib, it is a back up plan. Until Quncy and Spearman comeback in good shape. Who knows, Spearman, was a miracle rehabber last year for CIT AFA game, maybe he makes it back by Monday’s ESPN NMSU game, or Q, might suit up just in case, for RBC, just sit on bench, and last minute emergency, stretch, get on cardio bike, heat, pack etc. Injuries happen, never good when it happens, however, good thing Gib had a few extra guards and the season did not even begin, so he could work in that new starting 5 with Aaron, as well, as have Jawato, Harper, Thomas, step up their play and minutes. Hey, isn’t that what the guys, even though being young , want? Davis and Jovanovich, maybe if Jack Hackman is well, have to ONE OHANA win ONE GAME at a time, This, growing up and learning, and stepping up for the fallen, even if they suffer a few losses, is where, maturity, unity, experience, and hopefully, when BWC play comes, Gib could have 11 or 12 guys, tested for tourney crown run!
ROZITIS SHOULD START ACTING LIKE HE BELONGS ON THE COURT. LAST CHANCE. UDDWISE HE CAME TO AMERICA FOR NUTTEENG.
11/08 — GREAT HSA Write-Ups, Brian !
EIGHT BG Pages! MoreFans are Gona BeGetting The Message…
ESPECIALLY IF Team Backs it Up With WINS !
Brian, that is MAJOR LEAGUE promoting of team, Way to go! K-Bay, second your thoughts. Brian and SA, along with his CS blog, and writeups, interviews with athletes, coaches, etc. This year, the most buildup I can remember in a looong time. Since, Fab Five, Henderson, AC/Alika days.
Go Rainbow Warriors!
Mahalo Plenty Brian, that article full spread, I will be a great keepsake if this is the year Hawaii goes back to the dance!!
First thing, have to get win against, very athletic, with great PG(?), Tennessee St, the former Tennessee Tech(that had Leonard Truck Robinson, a great PF/SF, rebounder, and low post Man’s Man, great player back in 1974-80)
Go Bows!
Tennessee State (@ The Top) and Tennessee Tech (Lower Half) both play in the Same Conference…