RAINBOW BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

Alexander named captain

Senior center Marquette Alexander, who led Hawaii in scoring last season, was named captain by head coach Riley Wallace.

Alexander, who started 18 games and averaged 13.4 points per game, showed up on campus a few weeks ago about 25 pounds leaner and meaner.

"I made up my mind as soon as he got off the plane," said Wallace.

Alexander said he takes his new responsibility very seriously.

"I accept the role, I'm ready to take the challenge and I'm ready to get the season under way," said the 6-foot-8, 245-pound San Francisco native.

Alexander said he detects more "chemistry" among players this year. He said that's what was missing last season, not talent. He vowed to promote that chemistry.

"I want to keep everyone in a positive attitude, not put anyone down," he said. "I just want to keep everyone's spirit up. Just let everyone know we're in this as a family."

Meet the Rainbows

Scholarship players and walk-on candidates were introduced by Wallace to the Rainbow men's basketball boosters club yesterday afternoon.

Joining Alexander in the introductions were Mike McIntyre, Predrag Savovic, 7-0 center Todd Fields, 6-8 forward Troy Ostler, 6-6 forward Lane O'Connor, 6-5 guard-forward Nerijus Puida, 6-4 point guard Carl English, 6-8 forward Bernard McIntosh and 6-8 forward Phil Martin.

Fields cleared

Fields, who was hampered last season at St. Catherine College in Kentucky by a stress fracture below the knee, has been medically cleared for the season, which opens with Midnight Ohana on Oct. 15.

A familiar name in the fold

Among the better walk-on candidates for this year's Rainbows team is 6-3 guard Oa McGee, younger brother of UH alumnus Kalia McGee (1991-94). McGee, who graduated from Kaiser, spent last year at a Connecticut prep school.

Boosters plan road trip

The Rainbow men's basketball boosters are organizing a trip accompanying the team to play USC on Dec. 8. Booster officials say the cost of plane and game tickets, as well as accommodations, will come to under $600. Anyone interested can call the basketball office at 956-6501.

It will be a three-day trip, starting Dec. 7.