Hawaii Warrior World

Formerly about Rainbow Warriors basketball, but now covering all University of Hawaii sports.

About the blog host

Brian McInnis has covered sports on Oahu full time since 2007, when he joined the Honolulu Star-Bulletin staff as a general reporter. He was the UH basketball beat writer from the 2008-09 season through 2017-18. Follow him on twitter @Brian_McInnis

Latest news

Valdes giving thanks

By Brian McInnis on November 23, 2012

Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. It most definitely was for freshman Aaron Valdes, who said he got word from coach Gib Arnold that he’s finally cleared by the NCAA for team activities with Hawaii. He should be able to practice from now on. But don’t expect him out there in any game action this year … barring unforeseen circumstances. He’s missed all the team’s practices so far — other than as a spectator — with the exception of a […]

Operation Bounceback // Janevia Taylor update

By Brian McInnis on November 20, 2012

Well, now everybody’s had a few days to digest Hawaii’s 78-77 OT loss to Illinois on Friday night. Feel any better yet, those of you who were there? Can’t blame anyone if they don’t. That was a tough one for the Rainbow Warriors, and their ‘fro-clad fans, to swallow. If it’s any solace, the Fighting Illini absolutely went off in their EA Sports Maui Invitational opening game against USC on Monday night, spanking the Trojans 94-64. They shot 68.8 percent […]

Midnight madness

By Brian McInnis on November 12, 2012

Time for the best crowd of the year. Not in terms of numbers, of course. But Hawaii’s 11 p.m. College Hoops Tip-off Marathon game vs. Houston Baptist should again attract the usual rowdy, younger bunch of past midnight games to make the Stan Sheriff Center come alive in front of the ESPN cameras. UH is also trying to claim its 13th overall Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic title, and second since the Rainbow Warriors’ once-signature event went to a four-team round-robin […]

Feeling the pressure

By Brian McInnis on November 11, 2012

The Hawaii men’s basketball team was able to handle the biggest team (aside from itself) in the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic on Friday night, prevailing 76-64 over Maryland-Eastern Shore. The next two opponents, including today’s contest against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, will present a different sort of challenge. UAPB and Houston Baptist, guard-oriented teams, will likely look to test the Rainbow Warriors’ ability to bring the ball upcourt cleanly — especially after UH faltered in that aspect late against UMES. As I […]

Season opener blog blowout

By Brian McInnis on November 9, 2012

It’s that time ladies and gentlemen. The UH basketball 2012-13 season tips off tonight against Maryland-Eastern Shore at the Stan Sheriff Center. Here are some things to keep an eye on in this one: >> Vander Joaquim’s minutes. It’s looking like the big fella will play, but the question is, how much? Does Gib Arnold give him spot minutes off the bench? When he’s in, which other bigs will he play alongside? >> Point guard play. It was a struggle […]

Dressler will redshirt

By Brian McInnis on November 7, 2012

Hawaii coach Gib Arnold confirmed on Wednesday he would redshirt freshman center Caleb Dressler this season. “Caleb, Caleb’s family and I are all on the same page,” Arnold said. “I’d rather have a fifth-year senior year for him than a freshman year.” The 6-10 Dressler is playing behind a four-man rotation among the bigs — Vander Joaquim, Christian Standhardinger, Isaac Fotu and Davis Rozitis. His playing time at this stage of his college career would have been limited at best. […]

Joaquim back in the fray

By Brian McInnis on November 5, 2012

Vander Joaquim is back. Or at least getting there. The Hawaii senior center got in some full contact work during Monday’s practice — which, unfortunately, happened to be closed to the media again. No direct observations available. He also apparently got in some work during an incognito team session on Saturday after a film session breaking down the 75-67 exhibition win over Hawaii Pacific the night before. Joaquim said he’d be ready to play for the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, […]

Valdes will redshirt

By Brian McInnis on November 1, 2012

Well, the harrowing eligibility tale of Aaron Valdes seems to have met some resolution. UH coach Gib Arnold said after practice on Thursday that the freshman wing will redshirt this season, regardless of any possible last-second 180 by the NCAA on his eligibility for the 2012-13 season. The hope for UH is, after staying in the academic system for a full year, he will be eligible next season without having expended a year of eligibility. This all might sound disappointing […]

Court Sense