Amazing

It was simply amazing to see Miah Ostrowski go through Hawaii men’s basketball practice today without his father’s death — just hours earlier — showing any discernible effect on his play. He simply did what he does regularly by bringing energy and playmaking ability.

For those who haven’t yet heard, Miah’s father, Kui Ostrowski, died overnight after suffering a seizure and heart failure. He was only 43.

My condolences to Miah and his family. It was obvious how hard it hit Miah talking to him on the phone before that practice, which made his usual solid play on the court a couple hours later all the more remarkable. I’ll release an extended Q&A about it from Miah and several others tomorrow.

Since he was 5 or 6 years old, Miah was guided by Kui, a former standout and state champion at Maryknoll.

A side note also mentioned by Dave Reardon in his blog entry: Miah would have likely joined the UH basketball team in the winter of the 2009-10 season, but put it off because of the death of his grandmother. After the 2009 UH football season, he devoted extra time to see to her services.

I think most UH fans are glad he’s there now. And it seems he will make every effort to play against Utah State on Saturday.

Services for Damian “Kui” Ostrowski are set for Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Central Union Church. Visiting hours are 6 to 7:30 p.m. with the service to follow.

Also, to donate to the Ostrowski family to help with the cost of services, write a check to The Damian K. Ostrowski Memorial Fund, and deposit it at any Bank of Hawaii.