Verwers and Coach Wheeler rejoin the team

LAS CRUCES, N.M. » Stephen Verwers didn't mind not sharing in the some of the logistical nightmares his Hawaii teammates endured during their recent travels.

But he did miss being part of the group while the Rainbow Warriors were out of town on their Western Athletic Conference road trips.

"I'd get really bored," he said. "All my classes are night classes, so the other days I just go lift and do my rehab or go hang out at the beach and stuff."

The senior center has been out of action since suffering a broken leg on Christmas Day and met up with the team yesterday in Las Cruces for UH's stay in the WAC tournament.

"I was really glad Coach brought me out so I could at least watch these games instead of listening on the radio," Verwers said. "It means a lot being here and being able to support the team."

Associate coach Jackson Wheeler also rejoined the Rainbows yesterday. Wheeler had been on the road recruiting over the last week.

Familiar territory

First-year UH assistant coach Larry Farmer is in Las Cruces for his second straight WAC tournament. Last year, Farmer was on the opposite side of the court as the color commentator for the tournament's television broadcasts.

His preparations last year included attending every team's practice. This time, his focus is trained on getting the Rainbows ready for Boise State.

"Preparation is the same except in coaching it has to be in a lot more depth," Farmer said.

"I was that neutral party (last year) that was privy to all the plays and defenses and everything else. Nobody's going to be that friendly this time."

Knight time

The Rainbows had a pretty sizable audience for most of yesterday's practice at Onate High School as the school's freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams sat in on the workout. UH worked at the high school the last two days and moves to New Mexico State's practice gym today.

"That was fun," Bobby Nash said of having the Knights check out practice. "I just thank Onate High School for having us because it's been awesome."