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Thursday, February 15, 2001
It’s Haim Time FINALLY, it's Haim Time.
At long last, the Rainbows' projected
starting center will hit the court
tonight for a real gameBy Dave Reardon
Star-BulletinBut don't get too excited too quickly.
How much Haim Shimonovich means to the University of Hawaii basketball team's stretch drive remains to be seen.
Still, the addition of a 6-foot-10, 245-pound center with some mobility -- especially one who was projected to start -- can't hurt.
After sitting out 22 games because of an NCAA-imposed suspension for playing in a professional league, Shimonovich is eligible to play tonight as the Rainbows (10-12, 4-7 WAC) host the Mustangs of Southern Methodist (18-6, 8-3).
Shimonovich was serving in the Israeli army when he played in the country's top league -- which included some professionals. But Shimonovich was not paid, other than for out-of-pocket expenses.
GAME NIGHT
What: WAC men's basketball
NCAA rules are cloudy regarding foreign leagues. Wallace said it is on the agenda for the next coaches' meetings.
"Where I come from I played in the only league there was available. I feel they punished me for something out of my control," Shimonovich said.
Game time tonight is 7:05 at the Stan Sheriff Center. Haim Time starts a little later -- Shimonovich will come off the bench tonight.
Hawaii coach Riley Wallace said he's not sure how much Shimonovich will be able to contribute to the Rainbows' effort in his first game since UH's exhibition victory over Hilo on Nov. 12 -- and first real game in over a year-and-a-half.
"He'll be a little rusty. When he starts going up and down the court he's going to get tired," Wallace said. "No matter how much you practice, playing in a game is different."
Shimonovich will spell starting post players Troy Ostler and Phil Martin. Wallace's plan is to gradually work him into the rotation as Hawaii completes its WAC regular season with three home games and two on the road before the WAC Tournament in Tulsa next month.
"I'm very excited, the ball is ticklish on my hands," Shimonovich said after practice on Tuesday. "I don't think I can score 15 or 20 points, but I think I can help as another big body on the court."
Ostler could benefit immensely from Shimonovich's presence on the court.
"I'll be able to go outside more, I won't always have to take on the biggest guy," said Ostler (6-10, 220), who is second on the team in scoring average (16.1) and leads in rebounding (6.4).
At the very least, Shimonovich will provide an emotional lift to a team in dire need of one after consecutive road losses to Nevada and Fresno State.
Shimonovich scored seven points and had 10 rebounds in 37 minutes in UH's two preseason games.
In the three months since, the 21-year-old freshman has practiced with the team, but has not made road trips.
While the Rainbows have been on the road he's worked out with former UH forward Mike Gilless, who is now an assistant strength coach.
Shimonovich said there were times when he considered leaving UH because of the frustration of not knowing if and when he would become eligible.
"I would be lying if I said no. But I came here for a reason, for school," said Shimonovich, who is thinking about majoring in nutrition studies.
Any doubts Shimonovich had about his choice of coming to Hawaii were quelled in December, when his parents, Malka and Moshe, visited from Israel.
"His folks saw that we were taking good care of him, that people cared about him," Wallace said. "He's here for an education. Others might have left, but Haim is here for the right reasons."
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
