Nash Just Needed Time

Recently fired Warrior Head Basketball Coach, Bob Nash just needed one more year. Many Hawaii fans were waiting for Zane Johnson, who had to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. With Hiram Thompson, Duane Williams and Jeremy Lay returning and the strong possibility that Bill Amis will be given an additional season due to medical hardship, the Warrior Basketball Team was on their way to being a serious contender in a very mediocre WAC. The next coach whoever he may be will reap the benefits of the Coach Nash regime.

Below is Dayton Morinaga's article from Sunday's Advertiser.

Want to find out what it's like for a college basketball player to go through a coaching change?

Talk to Zane Johnson.


When a new head coach for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is announced later this month, it will be the seventh coaching change that Johnson has experienced in three years.

"When I heard it was going down, I was like 'well, here we go again,' " Johnson said. "I went through a lot of this stuff at Arizona, but honestly, I didn't think it would happen here."

Bob Nash was terminated as head coach of the Rainbow Warriors last Monday. A search is under way to find his replacement.

"When I came here, I thought it was a solid situation because Coach Nash had such a solid history here," Johnson said. "But the cards didn't just work out his way. The decision was made and I have to respect that."

Johnson's experience with the coaching carousel started at the University of Arizona.

In 2007, he was ranked as one of the nation's top prep recruits at Thunderbird High in Phoenix, Ariz. He signed with the home state Wildcats and longtime successful coach Lute Olson.

But Olson took a leave of absence for personal reasons just before the season opener, and Johnson played his freshman season under Kevin O'Neill.

Olson returned as head coach briefly in 2008, but announced his retirement before the season started. Russ Pennell was named interim coach for Johnson's sophomore season.

The Wildcats advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament that season, and Johnson started in 13 of the team's 35 games.

Johnson, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, averaged 4.6 points and 1.8 rebounds per game that season, and ranked third on the team with 36 3-pointers.

Following that season, Sean Miller was selected as the new head coach at Arizona, replacing Pennell. That's when Johnson opted to transfer.

"I had to get out of there," he said. "It wasn't a good situation with so many changes."

Hawai'i assistant coach Eran Ganot recruited Johnson, who eventually chose the 'Bows over New Mexico, Brigham Young and Utah.

"Some transfers transfer out of big programs because they're not getting playing time," Ganot said. "Zane played. He played significant minutes in a Sweet 16 game. We were fortunate to get him, and I think there's enough data to show how good he can be."

Due to NCAA transfer rules, Johnson had to redshirt this past season.

"I felt sad for Coach Nash because he really was trying hard to win," Johnson said.

He added that he wanted to play in Hawai'i's flex-motion offense because it provides numerous screens for shooters.

"If everybody does their part, it's a great offense." he said. "But it's a five-man offense, so everybody has to do their part to make it work."

Johnson underwent surgery in October to repair a damaged patellar tendon. He started shooting with his teammates late in the season, and now puts up hundreds of shots on his own every day.

"There's no pain, it's doing great," he said. "I'm just glad I could get back in the gym again. I haven't felt this good in a long time."

Johnson is expected to be an immediate contributor next season, although he admits there is a chance he could add yet another coach to his list if the new Hawai'i coach is not the right fit for him.

"To be honest with you, I want to see what happens with (Ganot) first," Johnson said. "I signed to play for Coach Nash and Hawai'i, but (Ganot) is the reason. If he's still on board, I'm definitely staying. If not, I might look at other options."

WILLIAMS AND LAY REMAIN COMMITTED

Guards Dwain Williams and Jeremy Lay said they would like to return to play for the 'Bows next season. Both players missed the stretch run of this season for different reasons.

Williams ended the season on indefinite suspension for violating team rules.

"I don't really have anything to say about that," he said. "It's in the past."

Williams played in just 14 games, but finished second on the team in scoring (14.0 points per game) and 3-pointers (31).

"I want to come back and play here," he said. "A fresh start would be nice, and I'm concentrating on school so I can come back."

Williams said he attended the team's final meeting last Monday, when Nash told the players he was not returning.

"He addressed my situation and we shook hands," Williams said.

Lay missed the final seven games of the season after undergoing hernia surgery.

"I'm coming back," he said. "I'm ready to play."

Lay finished fourth on the team in scoring with 8.4 points per game.

The new head coach can retain or release any players from last season.

Cody Afusia: 2010 Recruit Offensive Lineman

Named first-team all-league as a junior and senior...played both sides of the ball as an offensive guard and center and defensive tackle...named Golden West League’s Defensive Player of the Year...selected to the all-CIF Southern Division first team on offense...also competed in wrestling, where he compiled a 32-10 record in the 285-pound division...picked UH over San Jose State and Montana State...sister plays Division I softball at Arizona State.




Honolulu Advertiser Article
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100120/SPORTS0201/1200360&template=UHSports/UH+adds+2+from+California


Honolulu Starbulletin
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100120_SoCal_center_picks_Hawaii.html

Manley goes to NMSU

Below is Wes Nakama’s article from yesterday’s Honolulu Advertiser. What the article does not mention is the fact that UH is loaded with QBs and based on needs can only allot one scholarship for that position. In August the coaching staff contacted all the QB prospects and told them that they were only going to take 1 QB this year and the first one who signs would get that scholarship. Being the only local prospect, Manley was contacted first but he told UH that he wanted to wait and explore is other options. Kevin Spain was next and he jumped at the chance and immediately accepted.

Two years ago Manley was a top prospect. Many projected him as a 4-5 star however he has improved very little since his sophmore season and it was a good thing that he did not accept in August and again after the season when UH offered him a gray-shirt. Manley has a big arm but his poor footwork and lack of mobility are big concerns. He also throws too many interceptions at the highschool level and that means he is a major project for the R & S. Mac needs players that can contribute immediately and has no time for players that may take 3-4 years to develop.

Honolulu Advertiser Article on 12/22/09

Leilehua quarterback Andrew Manley, who just completed one of the most celebrated high school football careers in recent Hawai'i history, said yesterday he has made a verbal commitment to play for New Mexico State University.


Manley, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound strong-armed right-hander, told The Advertiser he gave his commitment to New Mexico State head coach DeWayne Walker while watching Saturday's Dallas Cowboys-New Orleans game on TV.

"I was talking to (Aggies) defensive line coach Jesse Williams and he said I could come in and compete for the starting quarterback job," Manley said. "I said I was ready to commit, and he put (Walker) on the phone."

Manley said it was the only scholarship offer he received for next season.
He said Hawai'i offered him a chance to attend classes part time in the fall (paying his own way and not playing football) with the possibility of receiving a full scholarship in January 2011 — a process called "grayshirting" — but he opted to take New Mexico State's immediate scholarship offer instead.

"UH wanted me to grayshirt, but there's no guarantee with that and I could end up with nothing," Manley said. "New Mexico State had been talking to me the past couple weeks, since the (Hawai'i/Polynesia vs. Mainland) all-star game, and I liked what they offered. I thought it would be the best for me."

Manley burst on to the local football scene two years ago, when he was called up from the JV during the O'ahu Interscholastic Association playoffs and led Leilehua to five straight victories, including the school's first state championship.

2009 UH Season Recap

Hawaii’s 51-10 loss to Wisconsin was disappointing and down right embarrassing. Warrior fans knew Wisconsin would be tough but never thought the score would end up as it did last Saturday. Hawaii was completely dominated in all phases and the difference in talent was clearly exposed for millions to see on ESPN2. Making matters worse, the team did not show up and started off flat from the beginning. Coach Mac’s decision to have seniors greet their parents before the game showed poor judgment and could have been the reason for the team’s abysmal start.

In the past Hawaii always gave power house opponents like Wisconsin a run for their money in Aloha Stadium and on rare occasions even pulled out a stunning victory. This year’s team bucked past history and seemed to shrink in the face of adversity with the Navy game being the only exception and bright spot. The 2009 Warriors can best be described as an average team that found a way to underachive.

Now that the 2009 season is finally over, Coach Mac and his staff can devote all energies to recruiting. National Letter of Intent Day is right around the corner and UH must bring in impact players. The defense has major holes to fill and the offensive line needs to be completely rebuilt. QB is also an issue because 5’8” Bryant Moniz is clearly not the answer. His sling-shot arm and short stature are not the most desireable attributes for a successful R & S QB. Hopefully in 2010, Mac will open up the competition and give someone else a fair shot at the position. Last year he locked the position to Greg Alexander and that was a big mistake as Moniz proved to be futher ahead in his grasp of the offense. The Warriors must also an upgrade the receiver position and bring in speed to compliment the slow possession types currently on the roster. Whoever Mac ends up bringing in this recruiting season must be able to contribute immediately. This means the bulk of the recruits should be Jucos. Mac cannot mess around with highschool players because he may not have the time to develop them. Next year is a make or break season and the odds are stacked against him.

This is why the program is regressing. By evaluating the returning players it is clearly evident that Hawaii suffers from a Lack of Talent (LOT). Good teams reload, average teams rebuild, and declining teams need major overhauls. UH is somethere between 2 and 3.

Below is a list of returners that have D1 level ability:

Offense

QB – Maybe Freshman Cayman Shutter

HB – Alex Green (if he learns how to block)

Offensive line – Laupepa Letuli (if he is granted an extra year)

WR – Greg Salas


Defense

DE – Paipai Falemalu/Liko Satele

DT – Vaughn Maetoga

LB – Brashton Satele – (if he is granted an extra year), George Daily-Lyles maybe

DB – Spencer Smith, Jeremy Bryant, Kawika Ornellas

The list is not long at all and that is why Hawaii fans are deeply concerned. The Hawaii roster is mainly made up of sub D1 talent and walk-ons and it not only shows in the team’s on-field performane but also in the jerseys that look strangely similar to that of FCS Portland State. In two short years, Mac has managed to tranform gold into lead taking a BCS buster team to the verge of simply busting. Let’s hope Mac proves us wrong and turns this thing around. All Hawaii fans need is another Von Mackin; sorry I mean Von Appen.

Wisconsin

Four weeks ago, Hawaii was 2-6 and coming off a 6 game losing streak. If you asked anyone back then about the Warrior’s chances for a Hawaii Bowl, they would have laughed and thought you were crazy for even asking the question. But the team has somehow managed to turn things around and the Warriors are now one game away from a Hawaii Bowl appearance on Christmas.

Last Saturday’s victory over Navy was very impressive. For once in the McMackin era, the team finally had a complete game looking solid in all three phases. If not for Jackson’s fumble, Kia’s usual penalty, and the dumb decision by McMackin to go for it on 4th and 1 on the Navy 20, the game would have been error free.

Besides excellent execution, the Warriors had a Navy’s number that night. Many credit the success of defensive scheme to D-Line coach Dave Arranda. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, Arranda enlisted the help of over a dozen coaches throughout the country for advice on stopping the triple option. His dilligent efforts paid off as the Warriors shut out Navy in the second half. The scheme looked very similar to what the Miami Hurricanes used against Georgia Tech earlier in the season.

Hawaii right now is very confident and believes they can beat anybody. Traditionally the Warriors have been great late in the season and this year is turning out to be no exception.
Wisconsin is bigger, more physical, and loaded with better athletes but a hungry Hawaii team at home late in the season is always dangerous. Just ask BYU, Purdue, Northwestern, Alabama, and Michigan State.

The keys for the game are simple. Hawaii must play with the same intensity as it did last week and if they do, things should be very competitive. The O-line like always must protect Moniz. The emergence of Kealoha Pilares will definitely help the offense as Moniz will no longer have rely so heavily on Salas for offensive production. If Wright-Jackson and Green can do their part and get the running game going, Hawaii should be able to hang some points against the Badgers. This game will be close so every point will matter. Hawaii must take easy field goals when they can and not be lured into going for it on 4th down. McMackin needs to coach his “smartest” game of the season and not fall victim to his emotions.

Defensively the team is in for a challenge. Wisconsin has a huge line and big play running back John Clay has the potential to score every time he touches the football. Even though the Warriors appear to be outmatched on Defense, they will be ready schematically and just need to play an intense 60 minutes football. With an emotional head coach, a Hawaii Bowl appearance riding on this game and a packed Aloha Stadium, maintaining the intensity should not be a problem.

This week looks to be very interesting especially since the Badgers are coming off a very disappointing season. Beginning the year, Wisconsin had Rose Bowl aspirations. Those hopes were dashed with consecutive loses to Ohio State and Iowa and last weeks loss to Northwestern was the nail in the coffin, knocking the Badgers out of the top 25. Now even a mid-level bowl may be in question for this underachieving team. Coach Bilema better have his troops ready this Saturday otherwise their Hawaii vacation may turn into an ambush at Aloha Stadium. Aloha means hello, good bye, and thank you. Hopefully this Saturday it will be Hawaii saying the thank yous.

Navy

At the beginning of the season we knew this one was going to be a tough one. Everyone who plays a well run triple option attack knows how difficult it is to stop. Just ask Corwin Brown and Charlie Weiss of Notre Dame who lost to the Midshipmen the past two years.
Besides the #3 rushing attack and highest graduation rate in the nation, Navy also has a passing game this year. Jr. QB Ricky Dobbs is considered to be Navy’s best passer over the last decade. If the Navy ground game wasn’t enough, the Warriors now have to worry about getting beat through the air as #4 can realy sling the rock.

For this game, coach Mac and Defensive Coordinator Cal Lee only need to visit to the Hawaii film room for the scouting report on Navy. Throughout the 1990’s, UH ran Paul Johnson’s triple option attack and it was this offense which gave Hawaii its first WAC title and Holiday Bowl Victory. This offense was able to effectively move the ball on the ground as well as the air using small undersized athletes nobody wanted. When the highly ranked BYU Cougars rolled into town nearly 20 years ago with Heisman Trophy Winner, Ty Detmer, they found out all about the Johnson triple option attack. That night Hawaii QB Garrett Gabriel looked more like the Heisman trophy Winner passing for nearly 400 yards on the Cougar defense. BYU was expecting a heavy dose of the run but little did they know that they would get killed through the air.

Johnson is no longer at Navy but neverthless his successor and star pupil, Kenny Niumatalolo is carrying on the legacy. At 8-3 Navy, is again bowl bound and scaring everyone they face. On Saturday, the Midshipmen are favored by 9 but many feel it should be more.

The keys for the game are simple. Offensively the Warriors must protect Moniz and keep the chains moving. If Hawaii continues to go 3 and out like they did last week at San Jose, it will be a long night with Navy quickly running away with the score. Hawaii must outscore Navy to have any chance of winning.

Defensively, the interior linemen need to hold point and stop the dive play. Maetoga, Savaiianea, and Tufaga must have the game of their lives and assert their physical dominance. The bread and butter for Navy is the dive and much of their success feeds off their success with the interior run game. Strong interior play will help the linebackers and secondary who must play smart assignment football and avoid being out of position. The cut blocks and occaisional deep pass are also something that the Warriors should be concerned about.

Can Hawaii win and be one step closer to a bowl on Christmas Day? The answer is yes but the Warriors will need to play almost perfect tomorrow. That means no stupid penalties, turnovers and fooling coaching decisions. If they decide to go for it on 4th and 10 inside Navy’s 25 yard line instead of opting for the easy 3, then for sure Coach Mac will be opening presents with the grand kids on Christmas Day instead of preparing to face June and SMU.

San Jose State Preview

The San Jose State Spartans are 1-8 with their only victory coming over an FCS opponent. Spartan's Head Coach Dick Tomey will resign at the end of the season and wants desperately wants to beat his old team one final time. UH has had problems on the road and the Warrior’s leading receiver and starting QB are questionable for Saturday’s game. Hawaii’s next two games will be against Navy and Wisconsin and they may be looking past San Jose. This week’s game has the potential to be very worrisome and an over confident Warrior team may not find their way past San Jose.

Listed as 3 point favorites, Hawaii should take care of business because the Spartans are down right bad. They cannot move the ball and have not stopped anyone all year. UH however has had a history of playing poorly on the road and we all know what happened last year when the Warriors stumbled over another one win team in Logan UT.

The keys for the the game are simple. Offensively they need to protect Moniz and his bruised ribs. Other receivers must take up the slack for Salas who will likely see limited action due to his sprained ankle. Defensively the Warriors just need to make tackles and not give up big plays. San Jose will probably shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers and that will no doubt help the defense.

The Warriors should win this Saturday and be one step closer to a reunion with June Jones. Final score Hawaii 31 San Jose State 14.