The Hawaii basketball team will get a late start to its home schedule this season due to double booking at Bankoh Arena in the Stan Sheriff Center. Today, two UH sporting events are set to take place: first, the Rainbow Wahine volleyball match against Cal State Bakersfield at 4 p.m., followed by the basketball game between the Rainbow Warriors and East Texas A&M at 8 p.m.

After a narrow 60-59 loss to Oregon in Tuesday’s season opener in Eugene, the ’Bows are gearing up for a busy home stretch. They will play 11 home games over the next 35 days, including four games in just seven days this week.

“It’s definitely going to be a little hectic,” wing Quandre “Dre” Bullock said. “I think we can handle it.”

### Early Season Adjustments

The team has already faced several challenges developing chemistry and consistency. During the first five weeks of fall training, the ’Bows only had their full roster available for one practice. Point guard Aaron Hunkin-Claytor missed five weeks recovering from a left-hand injury, while forward Gytis Nemeiksa, last season’s leading scorer, was sidelined for two weeks.

Although both players returned to play against Oregon, Tanner Cuff suffered a leg injury in practice a week earlier. “Losing Cuff was definitely huge,” Bullock noted. “He was going to be a big piece to this.”

Cuff, a 6-foot-7 transfer from Evansville, provides versatility by playing multiple positions—point, off guard, or wing. He is capable of attacking the lane on ball screens or passing over defenders. Now, Hunkin-Claytor has taken over the point guard duties. Utah transfer Hunter Erickson, who ran the offense during Hunkin-Claytor’s absence, remains a key contributor.

Freshmen and transfers like Chico State’s Isaiah Kerr and Hunter Carter are also expected to see expanded roles as point guards. “Every single guy has shown they can help us at different points,” head coach Eran Ganot said.

### Handling Oregon’s Pressure

Ganot commended his team’s performance against Oregon’s aggressive defense. The Ducks implemented traps and presses after baskets, leading to 18 turnovers for the ’Bows. Most turnovers occurred during half-court sets due to errant passes or questionable decisions, according to Ganot.

The game and shot clocks malfunctioned five times at Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena, causing the ’Bows to be called three times for exceeding the 30-second possession limit.

Despite this, the post players supported the guards and wings effectively, forcing Oregon into 21 turnovers. Key contributors in the post include Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson, Harry Rouhliadeff, Yacine Toumi, Jalen Myers, and Nemeiksa. With their depth, Ganot abandoned his usual strategy of subbing out post players who picked up two fouls in the first half. Both Johnson and Nemeiksa eventually fouled out.

“A lot of options,” said associate head coach Brad Davidson, who coordinates the offense.

Without Cuff, who was an active weak-side rebounder, the team will rely more on wings to help the boards. In the final 35 seconds against Oregon, the Ducks grabbed five offensive rebounds, allowing Takai Simpkins to sink the decisive basket with 4.2 seconds remaining.

### Upcoming Challenge: East Texas A&M

The ’Bows face a different challenge tonight against East Texas A&M at 8 p.m. The Lions, formerly Texas A&M-Commerce, won the previous meeting in November 2022 and have completed their four-year transition to Division I.

The Lions are known for their uptempo pace, averaging just 16.9 seconds per possession. They shoot 3-pointers aggressively—even in transition—but are also effective driving to the basket, converting 72.1% of their 2-point attempts.

Point guard Vinny Sigona, a graduate of Prestonwood Christian Academy (alma mater of UH football player Virdel Edwards), is a strong long-range shooter. In two exhibitions and the opener against Arlington Baptist, Sigona made 70.8% of his 3-pointers (17 of 24). However, he struggled against New Mexico, shooting 1-for-7 from beyond the arc.

Ronnie Harris, a 6-foot-8 forward in the Lions’ double-post offense, scored 20 points against New Mexico.

### Coaches vs. Cancer Event

Coach Ganot will host the annual Coaches vs. Cancer mixer on Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Stan Sheriff Center’s Ed Wong Hospitality Suite. The event coincides with the last day of the Outrigger Rainbow Classic and benefits the American Cancer Society T.C. Ching Hope Lodge.

Guests can enjoy pupus and drinks, mingle with coaches and supporters, and have the chance to win prizes. This year’s Rainbow Classic field includes Utah Tech, Manhattan, and Mississippi Valley State. Manhattan faces MVSU at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, with UH playing Utah Tech at 7 p.m.

The Hope Lodge provides cost-free accommodations on Oahu for cancer patients and caregivers during treatment. For more information or reservations, contact Sarah Foy at [email protected] or 713-628-8926.

—

### Game Information
**NCAA Basketball**
Hawaii (0-1) vs. East Texas A&M (1-1)
**Time:** 8 p.m. tonight
**Location:** Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
**TV:** Spectrum Sports
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/11/09/sports/uh-mens-basketball-team-looking-to-bounce-back/