Comments on: Disappearing act (updated: Joaquim speaks)

By: itsallabouttheW

itsallabouttheW — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:30:42 +0000

When the going got tough he quit. You know what they say about quitters. He’ll never be a winner. You don’t want that kind of a person on your team in any endeavor.

By: K-Bay

K-Bay — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 01:33:56 +0000

i think these freshmen had more opportunities than in most previous administrations, even starting gigs; this was after all not a “losing” program that needed to turn to freshmen, even throw them to the wolves; the seniors and juniors were numerous and talented enough to shoulder most of the load and still provide space for a ready-to-play redshirt (Jawato) or true freshman (Fotu) to play extensively…

UNLESS Gib finds a couple of IMPACT JC Players, weʻll probably be relying heavily on freshmen, redshirt freshmen and sophomores next season…

Hope Oziʻs stickinʻ around… i was surprised that he and Manroop rarely found their rhythm or stroke in the game — suppose thatʻs the unsteadiness alluded to…

i think Summer League rules allow three current players on a team so hope Gib can set up “pods” to work together again (like last year only More Players)…

By: tony maroney

tony maroney — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:45:11 +0000

its not just the player at fault here….yes we were all kids at this stage in our life when I was at Hawaii I grew up a lot…..thanks to the great family that was created with our team…like Vander he and other players from the mainland need that guidance and help when they come to the islands because it is very easy to get down and lonely……Trevor Ruffin and myself coming out of buffalo new York, if I didn’t have him there I probably wouldn’t have came and stayed if it wasn’t for him……but basketball has changed so much now that players are allowed to leave and go to other schools has really gotten out of control……something that a lot of people don’t know is that at one point I quit the team my senior season but it was for the better of our team because something needed to change and when I talked with the coaches we made that change and got as far as we did my last days at Hawaii even though we got screwed out of the NIT…….Being a Rainbow Warrior was the best decision I ever made for myself…..Vander go back or even email…call…or facebook me so we can talk….my email will5014@gmail.com….

By: Mauka

Mauka — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:57:39 +0000

I will remember him as a selfish and spoiled baby over his accomplishments.

By: Derek

Derek — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:09:46 +0000

What is the definition of “unsteady freshman”. Who’s fault is that? Who made the decision to shorten the rotation? I think it’s on the coach. And that, to me, was a mistake. The results showed that. We needed more fire power.

By: jeffdman2000

jeffdman2000 — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 02:45:48 +0000

hes a loser

By: K-Bay

K-Bay — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 23:51:07 +0000

Honor Your Family –Get the Degree…

Honor the Program & Team — Apologize in Person

Honor the Fans — Apologize Publicly

Sooner Better

By: hon2255

hon2255 — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 23:46:41 +0000

At least finish out the semester and get your degree Vander, Basketball will not pay your bills once your playing days are over . Think Think young man.

By: Brian McInnis

Brian McInnis — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:51:42 +0000

Valid points all. No question he’s still one of the best big men to come through the program, especially in the last 20 years.

Thanks for leaving your thoughts.

By: poorboy

poorboy — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:58:20 +0000

Vander from raw, falling over his own feet in pre conditioning drills when first arrived here from Utah JC, to a possible NBA or Euro free agent pro, it was , in my mind a great transformation. I think if he didn’t have the MCL tear, and he could have gotten used to the hacks, doubles, and physical play, and quickness of other teams keying on HIM, not Zane, not Joston, and VJ thought of TEAM first, he would have finished game and season. Must have been frustrated. However, that is a sign of immaturity, sad, his girlfriend was here for his senior nite, seems like very nice young lady. Hope for future, if Vander decides to settle down, his anger, his tantrums, settle down. He has to be like how he was when a sophomore, quite humble, and willing to learn and work.

If he responded quickly, apologized to Gib, and team, and fans, Hawaii would forgive him. All of us are not perfect, when we were 22 , 23 years of age, we did crazy things we regret, however , the past is the past. If he comes forth publicy and makes ammends , it will help him in future, no matter what is his profession. Sort of like the other story with the local HS and AA Football player. Come forth, be honest, and set things straight.

Vander’s accomplishments will always be in the UH MBB archives, so that is a given, that legacy remains forever. I think Vander is not an evil person, just has to grow up and become an adult, probably be more humble. Wish him the best, and hope, if he ever comes back to Hawaii, after an overseas(though, everyone is correct, GM’s for all professional sports, they look at psychological, emotional state of potential players they will employ, it is a big monetary investment). Vander, come forth, and apologize, would be good for you and family, as well as MBB Warrior nation that appreciated your skillset. You have your whole adult life ahead of you, get off to a good start. Also, it seems, that Vander might not, probably won’t even honor his academic scholarship, he will be short of getting his degree this summer.