MR. Basketball 1998, who are you? It’s time for Mr. Basketball
to step forwardThe time has come once again for the Star-Bulletin to begin the process of selecting the most complete prep player on Hawaii's hardwood.
Last year, we inaugurated this tradition, and we hope to continue it into the next century.
The player who merits the title of Mr. Basketball will receive a koa wood, basketball-shaped trophy during a school assembly.
Chances are that player will emerge this week in the state tournament.
But it's also possible that he could come from the ranks of players who did not even make it to postseason.
Frankly, folks, it's a jump ball right now.
The criteria are: 1) value to team, 2) accomplishment under adversity, 3) sportsmanship, and 4) sound academic standing.
Of course, if someone should knock our socks off at the state tournament for four straight days, the way Moanalua's Ramsey Williams did last year, he will jump to the top of the list.
Who knows. Williams might do it again and keep the hardware. But that's asking an awful lot of anyone.
Playing for the unseeded Menehunes last year, Williams averaged 21.7 points per game through the tournament and had 14 3-pointers. He sank 11 of those treys in the last two games.
And Williams did what every coach prays his star player can do: he made his free throws. He converted 19 of 21 in the tournament, including his last 16 in a row.
He was at his best in a thrilling double-overtime semifinal state tournament victory over Kalaheo when he scored 34 points, making six 3-pointers.
I plan to also keep my eyes on Kalaheo's Julian Sensley, Iolani's Anderson twins, St. Louis' Matt Vivas, Mililani's Kenji Price, Aiea's Lee George, Hilo's Brandon Kauhi, Waiakea's Kyle Bartholomew, Maui's Scott Prather, and other suspects.
These guys won't be thinking about winning a Mr. Basketball trophy. They'll be thinking team trophy.
But one of them is probably going to make a very good case for himself as the Star-Bulletin's second Mr. Basketball.
We'll do our best to recognize him.
THE CO-CHAIRS of the state Senate Education Committee, who heard testimony Saturday on bills to make the state's 40 athletic trainer positions permanent and give coaches a pay raise, say there's good news and bad news.
The good news is that the trainers bill will probably sail. The bad news is that coaches will continue to be paid like newspaper delivery boys.
It's the "budget crunch" you see.
Also in jeopardy is funding for athletic supplies, equipment and transportation.
So, coaches, all I can say is, you'd better be careful how you spend your paychecks. You may need that money to help your kids buy their uniforms next season.
Could be that some ADs will be forced to cut programs.
Maybe the time has come to think about dropping football.
Waipahu AD Keith Morioka suggested it last year, and I applauded him for it.
Sound crazy? Well so is what the state is asking.
It's asking coaches to work for almost no pay while being involved seven days a week with the lives of the players for whom they are responsible - then it's asking them to dig into their own pockets to pay for basic team necessities.
There appears to be no sensitivity whatsoever for what these men and women are giving of themselves. So, let's just do what's sane and reasonable and not ask them to coach under these circumstances.