UH-Hilo’s men’s basketball team didn’t garner much respect in the preseason Pacific West Conference poll, but that’s not half as bad as what the Vulcans have to say about each other.
Center Devin Johnson doesn’t like to share the basketball.
Denhym Brooke of New Zealand and James Griffin of Australia can’t stand each other.
JUST JOKING.
More to the point, the three Vulcans were joking with each other, enjoying some good-natured ribbing after a recent practice.
On the court, they say they’re getting closer by the day, or as close as any overhauled squad can be with only three weeks of practice under its belt. Off the court, they’re already tight.
“This is very new team and one would think it would be hard to build a lot of chemistry,” Johnson said.
Quite the contrary.
“From the jump, it’s been a different experience, than honestly I’ve ever experienced as far as college is concerned,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve had any issues whatsoever. We’ve gotten along great, we’ve all hung out a lot and we all consider ourselves to be family.”
Three of the newer members to the ohana are trying to mesh into the starting lineup: the multifaceted Griffin and shooting guard Larry Bush are former Division I players, and junior transfer Jordan Graves runs the point. That trio will join big men Johnson, the team’s most consistent returning player, and Brooke, a proven PacWest rebounder and shot blocker who missed much of last season because of academics.
“This is probably the closest team I’ve ever been with, we all hang out together everyday,” said Griffin, a graduate transfer who is on his third college stop. “No one is really an outcast, which is great.”
Of course, every team in the country is undefeated right now, most squads are talking up team chemistry and many are heralding their ability to buy-in to the team concept.
The Vulcans are no different as they prepare to tip off Monday against Alaska-Fairbanks at Hilo Civic in their season opener.
“If we talk as much on the court as much as we do off the court,” Griffin said, “we’re going to be a lot better than we are right now.”
That’s because friends don’t let friends slack off in practice.
“We all hold each other accountable,” Johnson said.
Said Griffin: “Just picking each other up and having the ability to tell someone if they’re doing something wrong. It’s what being a friend is all about.”
Still seeking his first winning season entering Year 6, coach GE Coleman was probably due a little good karma after injuries and attrition helped doom the Vuls to a 7-20 finish last season.
He likes the vibe and makeup of this team, so much so that he prefers it to any of his previous ones in terms of talent, athleticism and character.
“All of the above,” Coleman said. “I would say there was turnover, but this is the closest group I’ve ever had.”
UHH has to replace three of its four leading scorers from a year ago – Johnson is the holdover – as well as one of Coleman’s best players during his tenure, Brian Ishola.
Coleman said he filled the void by putting an emphasis on finding high-character guys, turning to an interesting blend of four seniors – returnees Johnson and Brooke and newbies Griffin and Bush – along junior transfer Kupaa Harrison, a former Kalaheo High School standout, for leadership.
Of the court, they barbecue and go to the beach, Coleman said.
On the court, “They act a certain way and set the tone in practice,” he said. “When you bring in good people, everybody molds to the top and that’s been very refreshing.”
And for the record, Johnson was credited with 29 assists last season to go along with averaging 12.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. He’s eager to share the ball, not to mention his veteran knowledge.
“Of course,” he said.
Brooke and Griffin, meanwhile, are roommates, not enemies with a down under grudge.
“We eat the same food, we know people from home who are the same age as us,” Griffin said. “Everyone asks if we hate each other, that’s the main one we get.”