What now?
So what happens now?
Mike Thomas is redshirting the 2016-17 season after wrist surgery.
A confluence of events has left Hawaii’s nucleus scattered to the wind coming off the most successful season in program history. Thomas was the established guy who would’ve been the link from the old to the new on the court.
Now, excepting Sheriff Drammeh, it’s going to look completely transformed out there.
Thomas will still be around, of course, offering sage advice to his teammates while he rehabs. It’s unfortunate, though, that there’s going to be a full calendar year of waiting time tacked on following his best career outing, against Maryland in the NCAA round of 32.
Everything needs to be replaced when you have a brand-new starting five, but it’s the frontcourt that’s especially in need of help now. As it is, it’s Jack Purchase coming off his redshirt season; junior college transfer Gibson Johnson; and walk-on Darryl Matthews. It’s looking like small forward Noah Allen might have to play big at times. UPDATE: And, of course, 6-7 Zigmars Raimo. Didn’t mean to omit him.
Something worth noting: Word in this corner was Thomas was leaning towards taking a redshirt anyway, pending the outcome of UH’s appeal of the postseason ban (still pending). We’ll never know for sure, as the injury from summer league pretty much renders that moot. He might be able to recover by midseason, but returning in that scenario would mean a very truncated final year — and no chance of postseason — for the captain.
So … UH is still chasing a foreign big man to complete its class. That’s looking imperative now.
Regardless, the rebuild job is looking more daunting than ever for Eran Ganot and Co.
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Ganot confirmed that Australian walk-on guard Jakob Cornelissen is not returning the program. Best of luck to him.
Cornelissen went scoreless in five reserve appearances as a true freshman. He was inactive during the team’s drive to the postseason.
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In other news, former UH coach Benjy Taylor has found a new home at Cal State Bakersfield coming off his stint at Southeast Missouri State.
Taylor joins a respected coach in Rod Barnes coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance by the Roadrunners of the WAC.
Hawaii can suffer 1 losing year for the greater good of developing FR and winning once we become eligible for post season. Good to see Thomas Redshirt. Now Hawaii will have veteran guards to team up with 2 senior bigs in Gib and Mike in 2018.
How come everyone keep forgetting about Zigmars Raimo? There was a discussion on another board about how the ftontcourt would look like and the poster also failed to mention Raimo just like here.
Is the dude that bad that nobody expect him to do anything or the guy just invisible …..LOL
The guy played for his country’s JR. National Team. He got to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.;-)
Why doesn’t the Big West add Cal-State Bakersfield?
Are they a poor academic institution?
What’s the problem?
HAPPY FOR BENJY TAYLOR. P.S. HE HAS A TERRIFIC RECORD.
Kahuna, you are correct. Meant to add Zigmars to the list. Thanks for pointing that out.
come on now. Basketball is team sport. Man, can’t believe it put so much pressure on Mr. Thomas.