Guard makes late
commitment to UH

Kris Groce fills a void created
when Logan Lee announced his
departure two weeks ago

The hunt for a point guard is apparently over.

Two weeks after Logan Lee's surprise departure left the Hawaii basketball team scrambling, the Rainbows have landed back on their feet. Yesterday, Kris Groce, a 5-foot-10 guard from Columbia Basin (Wash.) College verbally committed to the program. He will send his scholarship agreement in by the weekend.

"At first it was a difficult decision, but after going out there and meeting everyone (earlier this week), it made it easy," Groce said in a telephone call to the Star-Bulletin last night. "It was my first visit (to Hawaii) and I really liked it. It's Hawaii. What's not to like?

"I got along with the players and the coaches. They've got a lot of size. I researched the program and I like the disciplined offense they have."

Groce, who will have three years of eligibility, is one of two guards given scholarship offers by the Hawaii coaching staff. The other is 6-2 Deonte Tatum from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, who visited the campus last week.

Groce was the Eastern Division MVP as a freshman this season for Columbia Basin, located in his hometown of Pasco, Wash. He finished fourth in the 32-team Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges in scoring (21.4 ppg), second in assists (7.2 apg), tops in free-throw shooting (86 percent, 120 of 140) and tied for 10th in 3-point shooting (43 percent with 53 3-pointers).

As a senior for Pasco High, Groce was the all-area MVP, as selected by the Tri-City Herald, and led his team to the district title.

Groce will be the second player from the NWAACC to sign with UH this year. The other is 7-foot center Chris Botez, a Southern Division All-Star for Chemeketa (Ore.) Community College.

Other recent NWAACC products to play for the Rainbows are guards Mark Campbell and Michael Kuebler.