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Monday, April 24, 2000
Basketball team expects
By Pat Bigold
to sign fourth recruit
Star-BulletinMindaugus Burneika, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward from Weatherford Junior College in Weatherford, Tex., is expected to sign a letter of intent this week with the University of Hawaii men's basketball team .
Weatherford head coach Mark Osina said last night that Burneika, player of the year in the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference, told him he has chosen Hawaii.
"Maybe they'll take care of everything Monday," said Osina.
Burneika would be the fourth recruit to sign with the Rainbows since April 12, the first day that letters could be signed.
Point guards Ricky Terrell of Santa Monica College in California and David Hilton of The Hyde School in Connecticut, and 6-10 center Haim Shimonovic of Israel signed on the first day.
Burneika, who visited the Rainbows' campus two weeks ago, averaged 19 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He admitted that his longtime friendship with Hawaii starting small forward Nerijus Puida could be a factor in his decision.
Burneika, who once played in the European championships as a member of the Lithuanian junior national team, led Weatherford to a 26-6 record last season.
Center Dennis Williams of Skyline Junior College in California, plans to speak with the UH coaching staff today by phone. He said Hawaii is high on his list, but he also has interest in Wyoming, Nebraska, Fresno State, and Tulsa.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
