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Tuesday, October 31, 2000
McIntyre One of the biggest questions for the University of Hawaii men's basketball team will be answered tonight -- sort of.
expected to start
at point
UH men's basketball
opener tonightRealAudio: 'Net broadcast Click Here
By Dave Reardon
Star-BulletinCoach Riley Wallace wouldn't confirm it, but junior Mike McIntyre is expected to start at point guard when the Rainbows take on the California All-Stars in UH's first exhibition at 7:05 p.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.
McIntyre could hold the spot for five minutes or five months.
"All four are still vying for it," Wallace said.
When practice began two weeks ago, junior-college transfer Ricky Terrell and freshman Jeep Hilton were expected to be the main contenders for the point guard spot.
Neither is out of consideration to take over by the time UH opens its real season against Louisville on Nov. 17.
But for now, there are indications Wallace might prefer players more experienced with his system -- McIntyre and redshirt freshman Carl English -- at the controls.
The other starters (judging by playing time in practice over the past week) are expected to be junior shooting guard Predrag Savovic, senior small forward Nerijus Puida, senior post Troy Ostler and freshman post Haim Shimonovic.
Savovic, Puida and Ostler all started every game for UH last season. The 6-foot-10 Shimonovic has impressed observers with his all-around game.
Wallace said the Rainbows will try many combinations.
"Everybody's going to play," he said. "We want to see them under fire, how they respond when they're behind and how they take care of a lead. There will be a lot of in and out."
Wallace said he didn't know what to expect from the All-Stars, who are coached by his predecessor at UH, Frank Arnold.
The former college players have practiced together only three times.
"It's their first game, too. I imagine we'll see a lot of pick-and-roll and 3-point shooting," Wallace said.
Tip-ins:
The Rainbows host another exhibition Nov. 12, against Hawaii-Hilo. The Vulcans are coached by former Rainbows assistant Jeff Law. ... All-Stars' assistant coach Rasheed Hazzard is the son of former UCLA great Walt Hazzard. ... Fox Sports West will televise Hawaii's game at UCLA on Dec. 9. ... Walk-on guard Kimo Keiter-Charles returned to practice yesterday after missing two days with a hip muscle injury. ...Wallace was unhappy with yesterday's practice. "We didn't execute near as well today as (Sunday)," he said.
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