Gameday: Cal Poly
It’s settled — No Garrett Nevels tonight against Cal Poly.
UH elected to go with caution for its Big West Conference opener. Freshman Isaac Fleming will get the start at shooting guard. Not surprising, but it’s a tribute to Nevels’ toughness that this was even in question right up until tipoff. He’s only a week removed from surgery by his right thumb and just got his protective cast off on Tuesday.
That affects UH’s rotation down the line, as Brandon Jawato or Niko Filipovich now might get a look. Look for the “twin towers” alignment of Stefan Jovanovic and Stefan Jankovic to play a role, as well.
Cal Poly flummoxes teams with a 1-3-1 defense, a look that UH hasn’t really seen yet this year. If the Rainbow Warriors can’t solve it early, expect the Mustangs to sit in it for long stretches.
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In case you missed it, Dave Reardon reported in today’s column (subscriber content) that Benjy Taylor was offered a one-year extension as UH coach, and turned it down.
The offer was said to be for about $190,000 for next season.
An interesting development. Taylor has generated a lot of fan support. Can he generate a stronger offer from UH administration by collecting more wins? It remains to be seen.
Hawaii just lost. This has got to be one of the worst games I’ve ever seen by a Hawaii basketball team. How can they beat a very good Colorado team and almost beat an excellent Witchita State team and lose to a weak Cal Poly team? Inconsistent play. Bonehead passes. Incredibly poor shooting. Colorado just beat UCLA and USC and Hawaii looked like the better team when they beat Colorado. Tonight they looked like Punahou would have beaten them.
In a tight game you need leadership and it was missing. The obvious one being Nevels , the other Bobbit. Oh where, oh where has Bobbit’s game gone. His assist to turnover ratio which was good in now bad. It’s time for Bobbit regain his confidence and play his game.
Wondering why Brandon Jawato was not on the bench last night. Cal Poly seemed to keep UH on its heels along with a poor shooting night for the Bows.
Brian – do you know what happened at end of regulation? Seems like Bobbitt unaware of time left on shot clock. Did not begin play until few seconds left and then turned ball over. I was at game and many of us seated together we’re trying to figure out what happened. Thanks
“Benji ball” looked awfully like “Gibby ball” last night. He must have turned down the extension prior to last night’s game. There’s a reason why pre-conference time is called the “silly season” – Benji just reminded us why. Outcoached and outplayed by a less athletic team that played a LOT smarter and made ALL the crucial plays at the end while UH humbled and bumbled the game away. Did Benji actually call a time out to call that ridiculous lob crosscourt on the last play?
My understanding is Jawato was out sick, but I’ll get a clarification at practice today.
It might have been a little late starting on the play, but I think Bobbitt’s intent was to deny Cal Poly time for a look at the other end. Of course, he turned it over and the Mustangs ended up getting a quality shot anyway. UH was fortunate the game didn’t end right there.