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Wednesday, May 24, 2000
The recruits who signed to play basketball for the University of Hawaii Wahine next season fill most of the team's needs.
Head coach Vince Goo and his staff wanted to sign an athletic post player, 6-foot-2 or taller, but that didn't happen during the national letter of intent signing period that ended May 15.
"We brought in a couple of post recruits on visits," Goo said. "One went to Southwest Missouri State and the other we decided not to offer a scholarship."
It is still possible for UH to land a post player but not with a binding letter of intent.
A recruit can be signed to a financial aid agreement any time, but this is binding only on the university. The recruit can change her mind up until the time she attends her first class at UH.
The Wahine filled needs at the point guard, shooting guard and wing positions.
"We got four good recruits. They will give us a lot of team speed and quickness. All of them can shoot the 3," said Goo.
With seniors Maj Forsberg, Kyla Evers and Raylene Howard gone, replacements on the perimeter were a top priority.
The incoming recruits are 5-10 Christa Brossman, 5-8 Melanie Croser, 5-7 Janka Gabrielova and 5-10 April Atuaia.
Brossman and Croser, who both signed last fall, are quick and tenacious on defense.
"We got speed and quickness, especially at the point with Janka. She is a true point guard, good defender, really quick," Goo said.
"April is a strong player. She's not quicker than the other three who are a bit smaller, so she's more of a physical-type player, power-type player who can handle the ball. She is quick going to the basket. And, at 5-10, that's what we were looking for."
Overall, Goo is satisfied with the results, but notes none of the recruits has scored a basket, blocked a shot or made a steal for the Wahine yet.
"If they live up to what we project, we think people will be very satisfied with their play," he said.
Goo and assistant coaches Da Houl and Jon Newlee leave July 7 for the 21-day summer recruiting period.
The Wahine lose Crystal Lee, Dainora Puida and Kylie Galloway after the 2000-01 season. Recruits for the three, four and five positions top the need list.
"We also will bring in a high school point guard," Goo said.
All three coaches will be recruiting on the West Coast. Goo also will take in the Nike Tournament in Indianapolis. Houl and Newlee will scour Texas and points in the southeastern part of the country. Newlee also will scout the 16-team European Under-20 Games in Slovakia.
UH Athletics
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