2009-10 Opponent Preview: Hawaii

As the 2009-10 season men’s basketball season approaches, BYUCougars.com continues to preview each of the Cougars’ opponents. Today’s preview is on Hawaii.

Game Preview

In a game featuring two previously familiar foes, BYU will face Hawaii in its first road game of the season on Nov. 20. The Cougars will face the Rainbow Warriors for the first time since BYU left the Western Athletic Conference for the Mountain West Conference in 1999. BYU defeated Hawaii at home, 81-68, in the last meeting between the two teams.

Both teams return four starters as the Cougars and Rainbow Warriors rekindle an old rivalry. It will be the first road trip of the year for BYU, while Hawaii will have just finished hosting a three-game home tournament. BYU will have to watch out for an experienced opponent comfortable on its home floor if it hopes to get out of Honolulu with a win.

Season Outlook

Bob Nash begins his third season at the helm for Hawaii. Nash and the Rainbow Warriors finished with a 13-17 record in a rebuilding year that did not include a senior on the roster for the first time in school history.

Nash and Hawaii are looking to gain their first postseason invite since the 2004 NIT. Four of five starters return from last year; they will be joined by five transfers. The Rainbow Warriors represent six different countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Lithuania, Montenegro and the United States.

Player to Watch

Roderick Flemings, G/F, Sr., 6-7, 210

Flemings earned all-WAC second team, all-WAC newcomer and NABC District 6 second team honors last season, leading Hawaii in points per game (16.6), steals (35), three-point percentage (.310) offensive rebounds (79) and minutes played per game (36.0).

Other Key Players

Bill Amis, F

Adhar Mayen, F

Paul Campbell, C

Game Implications

The Cougars’ last trip to the Aloha State in 2004 sent BYU home with losses to North Carolina and Stanford along with a win against host Chaminade. A win to go with their tan would be a sweet twofer for this year's Cougars.

Rainbow Warriors at a Glance

Head Coach	Bob Nash
At Hawaii	3rd year / 24-36
2008-09 Record	13-17 overall, 5-11 WAC
Home/Road/Neutral	11-9, 2-7, 0-1
Starters Ret/Lost	4/1
Lettermen Ret/Lost	10/4

2008-09 Team Stats

Points/Game	64.0
Points Allowed/Game	65.2
Field Goal %	.424
Opponent FG %	.431
Rebounds/Game	34.7
Assists/Game	12.9
Steals/Game	5.7
Blocks/Game	3.8

Returning Stat Leaders

Points/Game	Roderick Flemings, 16.6
Rebounds/Game	Bill Amis, 6.5
Assists/Game	Hiram Thompson, 2.4
Steals	Roderick Flemings, 35
Blocks	Bill Amis, 41
Three-pointers	Roderick Flemings, 22