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RAINBOW BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

By Dennis Oda, Star-Bulletin
Mike McIntyre flies in for a dunk during Midnight Ohana
earlier this month. The UH basketball team
opens its exhibition season Oct. 31.

Arnold to coach
former team

When the University of Hawaii men's basketball team plays its first exhibition game of the season a week from today at the Stan Sheriff Center, a man familiar to many UH fans will coach the opposition.

Former Rainbows' head coach Frank Arnold will lead the California All-Stars, UH head coach Riley Wallace said yesterday.

Arnold was the UH coach for the 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons before being replaced by Wallace. Arnold's teams went 11-45.

Wallace said Arnold has spent the past few years in Mesa, Ariz., retired as an executive of the company that makes Franklin Planners.

Former UH guard Johnny White, now a volunteer student coach for the Rainbows, will play for the All-Stars, Wallace said.

Never nervous Nerijus

Senior Nerijus Puida appears to have the inside track on retaining his starting small forward spot -- despite lots of competition -- thanks in part to improved shooting ability and strength.

Puida lifted weights five times a week in the off-season and added 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-5 frame. He also worked on his scoring in the NCAA Summer League.

"He looks to be trying to score more (in practice). But he's still a team-first player, no question about that," Wallace said. "He knows where to look for his shot now."

Puida said practice is "a little bit harder this year, with four or five guys at my position. I'm working hard on my defense now."

Other possibilities for playing time at small forward include Lane O'Connor, Mindaugus Burneika, Bosko Radovic and Phil Martin.

It all depends on if the Rainbows want to go big and strong or small and quick -- and, especially, who plays defense, Wallace has said.

Injury report

Despite two-a-day practices for the first time in several years, the Rainbows remain relatively healthy.

Senior center Todd Fields had a mild shoulder problem, and Burneika suffered a minor Achilles injury that kept him out of practice one day.

"We haven't had anything major, knock on wood," Wallace said. "The conditioning's coming along. The shots aren't falling yet, because they don't have their legs yet. But once they do, they'll be alright."

Make that a combo, please

You could say junior guard Mike McIntyre has a better "handle" on things this year. McIntyre has improved his ballhandling skills and knowledge of the Rainbows' offensive sets to the point that sometimes he can play the point -- or at least help teach it to newcomers Ricky Terrell and David "Jeep" Hilton.

McIntyre's regaining the reputation he had coming out of high school as a combination guard, rather than that of just a pure shooter.

"I feel comfortable (at point guard)," McIntyre said. "I know the offense like the back of my hand, and I'm willing to help any way I can."

Wallace said Carl English is also versatile and knowledgeable enough to work the point.

Droppin' dimes

The Rainbows have let several walk-ons go. One who has survived so far, 6-foot-5 Cory Brailsford, a 1998 Mililani graduate, has made several impressive blocks. ... Former UH forward Mike Gilless (1989-90) is a volunteer weight-room coach. ... Most preseason publications pick Hawaii to finish sixth in the WAC. Dick Vitale's magazine predicts the Rainbows to place fifth. ... When told The Sporting News had selected him as the WAC's most flamboyant player, junior wing Predrag Savovic said he doesn't play to the fans purposely. "I just hope whatever I do on the court reflects well on my team," he said. ... TSN also chose 6-foot-10 senior post Troy Ostler as the league's "Best over 7-0 (almost)."

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Dave Reardon, Star-Bulletin