Acker on way out
You don’t idly post an opening for a men’s basketball assistant coach.
Although UH gave itself some wiggle room with the way its job listing is worded, you had to be pretty sure someone was on their way out to go through all that trouble.
In the time since the post went up sometime Tuesday, it’s been increasingly clear that assistant coach Chris Acker is the guy. Acker to Boise State is all but a done deal, according to sources. The Broncos and coach Leon Rice have had an opening since John Rillie joined Joe Pasternak’s new staff at UC Santa Barbara in mid-May.
Here was today’s article in the print edition on the subject.
If (when) the move becomes official, UH will feel Acker’s absence.
Acker’s biggest recruiting contributions for the team were Leland Green and Drew Buggs, but he also brought in Larry Lewis Jr. and walk-on forward Darryl Matthews. The latter two were already determined to be out for next season.
The former Chaminade guard increasingly found his voice over his two-plus seasons in Manoa, coming into his own as an assistant at the Division I level. He was Eran Ganot’s go-to guy for player development and team defensive schemes.
In the current landscape of college hoops, the Mountain West is a cut above the Big West in prestige and financial backing. You can’t begrudge a family man (who has a wife and two young children) the superior job package of a MWC school.
Now it’s UH that must try to pry an up-and-comer away from his comfort zone.
How about Zane Johnson to replace Acker?
We need an ace recruiter in that slot. Zane has a bright future but right now he doesn’t bring that to the table.
Location. Location. Location.
UH doesn’t pay enough to keep their coaches here, the program suffer all the way down… UH will always be looking in for players and championships.
Good luck to him and his ohana.
Looks like another season of rebuilding, hopefully the Coach(es) can right the canoe
I saw Zane Johnson and Bill Amis at International Marketplace last night so he’s in town…. so who knows?
Jeff Portnoy had me convinced that Bill Amis’ put-back shot was good at the buzzer of a first round Big West game.
I’m not sure which play makes me more nauseous.
That, or Keith Shamberger’s inability to receive an in-bound pass without stepping on the end-line.
Bill Amis was amazing for a late signee.
On this morning’s news with Steve Uyehara, Ganot said he expects to sign one more transfer by the end of the month. Thought he was done with the HS 6′ 6″ swing player.
I wish it was the second Gonzaga player who is transferring.
Brian, your dad would be so proud of the beautiful tribute you wrote today. Maz’s homer was also in my top 10 of thrills in sports. (I grew up a Hollywood Star fan where most of the Pirates began their careers) You are a good son and a great writer!
Hawaii was the AAA affiliate for the Pirates after San Diego said goodbye.
I don’t remember Barry Bonds in an Islanders uniform, but I do remember Bobby Bonilla.
My favorite players were Mike Bielecki and Jose DeLeon.
Really nice article.
Really nice photograph.