Joaquim back in the fray
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, barring any health setbacks. He said he felt “97 percent” healthy.
“I just need 3 more percent,” he said, grinning wide.
However, Gib Arnold didn’t sound like he was going to take any chances with his prized big man. Check out tomorrow’s edition for his take on the matter (as well as Part 1 of our three-part UH basketball season preview). Suffice it to say for now that Joaquim playing vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore is far from a given.
But its a lot closer to reality now than it was at this time last week.
Brian,
Mahalo for the update on Joaquim and the heads up on the 3-part preview articles that’s coming out soon!
According to the schedule, after this weekend, the men’s basketball team will be playing only four games – three here and one on the road – until the Diamond Head Classic starting December 22. The home games are: Illinois, November 16; North Dakota, November 20; Pepperdine, December 8. The away game is UNLV on December 1.
Hopefully, Vander will be 110% by the Classic.
Frankly, I was tremendously impressed with the team last Friday – especially Isaac Fotu & Christian Standhardinger.
Too bad that we cannot have a third Miah season.
Missed @ Chaminade (Hosting) December 15 @ Molokai
Good to get Vander back into the physical work…
Need to get NCAA to allow/support Aaron Valdes’ growth and learning, instead of missing all the defensive work and offensive sets…
I recollect reading in yesterday’s morning paper that one of the reporters said that the UH basketball team should be 3-0 in the next week or so as they have 3 easy games. How can these reporters make blanket or asinine statements like that when every game is going to be a struggle with or without Vander. Usually these reporters have never played the game so doesn’t really know what it entails playing the game. Poor reporting and making generalized predictions can be a reflection of the reporter’s lack of knowledge of the game.
You’re welcome. This time of the year is always time consuming working on those previews but will stay as active as I can in this circle as well.
Hossana,
There are beat reporters like myself and there are columnists. Two different things. Columnists can freely make predictions and prognostications as they see fit; that’s part of their job. It’s their opinion, and that typically doesn’t fall under reporting. Of course, there are exceptions to that. Areas like blogs such as this give me a little more freedom in going beyond the basic facts, but (other than voting in a conference preseason poll) I stay away from game outcome predictions, and leave it to our columnists Dave Reardon and Ferd Lewis to provide added perspective where they see fit.
As far as making blanket statements, “every game is going to be a struggle with or without Vander” sounds pretty blanket, no? That’s your opinion, and what you read the other day was someone else’s.
no rush.
as in no rush back.
when it comes to knees the best advice is, “no rush”.
Sit him out. Better to be fully healed for the Big West. Maybe the following week, ease him in slowly. Team can handle fine this weekend.
Hope Vander Can and Does Contribute if he’s Really Up to it…
Wouldn’t want our youth or lack of Experience to let Illinois slip away IF Hawai’i can wiin it…
While An Emphasis on Winning In Big West is appropriate,
The Big West’s And Hawai’i’s Power Ratings are significantly affected by these “Pre- Season” Games — They Count…and Long Beach, Fullerton and others have some Transfers that may not be fully eligible ’til December … IF we don’t finish First in BW (strong likelihood) the Power Ratings and a “Big Name” (Illinois, UNLV, Miami…) Win or Two might be the difference between another Riley Invitational (Thanks, Coach!), NIT or even something Bigger….
Tempered Of Course with Long-Term Health and Safety of Vander ‘First’…
is it only 1 spot in the NCAA tourney for the BW?
We need the students in force this weekend, get your free shirts this friday, how about some free hotdogs and soda for the first 500 students on Monday nites 11pm ESPN game, let’s make it happen for the students! Boosters, Athletic dept , let’s make Monday nite BB crazy at SS Arena!