’Bows ink highly touted
middle blocker

The 6-foot-7 Yugoslavian
might be the best at his position
in the country next year, Reyes says

By Cindy Luis
Star-Bulletin

After missing out on the NCAA men's volleyball final four for the first time in three years, the University of Hawaii would like to make its return to the championship a true homecoming.

The Special Arena Events is the site of next May's title event and, yesterday, the Rainbows took a giant recruiting step toward being there a year from now.

Hawaii has received a verbal commitment from Dejan Milodinovich, a 6-foot-7 middle blocker from Yugoslavia. The 20-year-old, who will have four years of eligibility, selected Hawaii over Southern Cal.

According to Rainbow assistant coach Tino Reyes, Milodinovich could be the best middle blocker in the country next year.

Hawaii lost six players from this year's team that finished 18-11. Milodinovich is expected to vie for a starting spot at either middle or at opposite.

The Rainbows are also in the running for another middle blocker, this one a 6-9 player from Germany who would come in as a sophomore.

The graduation of Curt Vaughan, UH's all-time assist leader, also leaves a huge void at setter. Hawaii hopes to fill that hole with Noam Katz, the younger brother of Rainbow two-time All-American Yuval. Noam Katz is a 6-2 left-handed setter who is expected to enroll at UH either in January or next fall.

Head coach Mike Wilton is also looking at a setter from Brazil with international playing experience.

"If we get these last few guys that we want, we'll have the size and experience to compete with anyone," said Reyes. "We're really excited about the possibilities."

Last week, the Rainbows signed 6-3 hitter Chris Kosty, a junior transfer from Golden West College in California. Also signing with Hawaii was Elijah Neverdon, a 6-1 hitter from University High.