Sottos set to set up
for ’Bows

It's a new season, complete with a new outlook and a renewed sense of confidence for Jake Sottos.

The guard who struggled with his shot as a tentative junior a year ago has been replaced by a self-assured senior running the floor with abandon during the Hawaii basketball team's preseason practices.

With close to two weeks left before the Rainbows open their season against Mississippi Valley State, Sottos appears to have regained his shooting touch and is making a major push for a starting spot after spending most of last season on the bench.

"Last year I knew my role and this year it's my time to step up and be a leader," Sottos said. "That stroke's coming back and it's feeling good."

Sottos provided several highlights for the Rainbows in an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, scoring 22 points and hitting six shots from long range. He also dished 10 assists while assuming point-guard duties at times.

The Rainbows played two 20-minute periods in the scrimmage followed by another 10-minute session.

"(Sottos) came out with more of a mission than he had a year ago," UH head coach Riley Wallace said. "He feels a part of it, he wants to play and he's working hard to try to get some time. He's improved a lot and they have a lot of confidence when he shoots that ball. It lifts the whole team."

Sottos averaged 6 minutes in 19 games while backing up All-Western Athletic Conference shooting guard Michael Kuebler last year. With the 2-guard spot up for grabs this season, Sottos' offseason improvement has put him in the mix for a starting job.

"Jake has always had that in him; he's just really needed an opportunity," forward Julian Sensley said. "I think the opportunity's out there for him."

The overall image is still a bit hazy around the edges, but Saturday's scrimmage helped bring the big picture into focus for the Rainbows, who face UH-Hilo in an exhibition game at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

After breaking down the details of the offense in practice for three weeks, the players relished the chance to put everything together in a game-like situation.

"We're still getting a feel for each other and for the offense, it's coming along pretty well," Sottos said. "The new guys are seeing how everything is broken down and how it all comes in at game time."

Sensley, a preseason All-WAC pick, led the team with 29 points and 13 rebounds in the scrimmage.

Sottos is part of a tight race for one of the guard spots, as Wallace was also pleased with the performances of guards Bobby Nash (18 points) and Matt Gibson (20 points, seven steals) in the scrimmage.

"We're getting into a rhythm. We're starting to figure out how to play with each other," Gibson said. "Now we're getting up and down the floor better, we're running better, we're in better shape and we're just learning to play with each other better."

The Rainbows were also back at full strength for the first time since the first week of practice, as senior Vaidotas Peciukas returned to action. Peciukas suffered a broken bone in his foot during the summer and had knee surgery early in practice, and was able to play a few minutes in the scrimmage.

"The first couple of minutes I had to get used to the speed again," Peciukas said. "In the second half I started to get the feeling, I just need a couple of practices to get ready."