‘Baywatch’
recruits ’Bow coach
Riley Wallace

The TV program's executive
producer has definite plans for a
Wallace cameo this season

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

The University of Hawaii men's basketball program might yet get some national television exposure this season.

The creator of "Baywatch Hawaii" wants head coach Riley Wallace to make an appearance on the popular series before the show wraps up the season's shooting schedule.

The episode could also involve Wallace's basketball team.

"Baywatch Hawaii" executive producer Greg Bonnan said he has definite plans for Wallace, 57, to do a cameo.

"We could end up doing a basketball theme show," said Bonnan, who was at the university basketball offices to participate in a "draft" of Rainbow players for Friday night's Midnight Ohana.

Bonnan and co-executive producer/chief writer Maurice Hurley will be opposing coaches in an intrasquad game at the Stan Sheriff Center that night. The game, which also will feature appearances by "Baywatch Hawaii" cast members, annually ushers in the men's and women's college basketball seasons.

"It would be a great thing
for our program due to
lack of TV exposure."

Riley Wallace
UH MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH

"We really want to get Riley on the show," Bonnan said. "He's got a lot of charisma."

Bonnan also said he would enjoy helping the team gain national visibility. "We've been able to help some programs before," he said, referring to the show's years in California.

Wallace said he would welcome the chance to be on "Baywatch Hawaii," primarily because it would boost his program's image.

"It would be a great thing for our program due to lack of TV exposure," Wallace said.

Fox Sports Net and ESPN recently declined to televise the Rainbow Classic this December. ESPN had covered the tournament the previous four years.

Wallace said recruiting could be enhanced by his appearance on the show. "You'd see coaches and kids identify with that," he said.

Associate athletic director Jim Donovan said National Collegiate Athletic Association guidelines restrict how Rainbow players could be used on "Baywatch Hawaii" or any other television show.

Players cannot be identified, and participation in any shots must be of a background nature, he said.