DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM
Michelle Gabriel, right, played one-on-one at a recent practice. Gabriel says she has matured since her freshman year.
Michelle Gabriel paid her dues for three seasons as a backup point guard for the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine basketball team. It’s Gabriel’s turn
Probable starters
for the WahineBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comNow, the senior from Maryknoll wants to be the main trigger for the UH offense. Her ideal senior season would include winning the Western Athletic Conference title.
Waiting her turn has been a maturing process for the former walk-on who earned a scholarship after her freshman season.
"Being a backup is not something anybody plans, but that's how the situation was and you have to take what's offered," Gabriel said.
"That was my role for three years. In those three years I've gone through a lot of teammates and learned a lot. I've grown on the court, but mostly off the court. It had to do with my priorities.
"For one thing, I was partying too much. I was on my own, going through college life and being pressured by my friends. Learning how to be independent was the big thing."
Gabriel faced reality. Basically, she came to grips with the fact she was there to go to school and play basketball, and those were the top priorities. Yes, there could be a social life, but only if it was kept in perspective.
When: Today through Sunday. [ GAMEDAY ]
Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic
Where: Stan Sheriff Center.
TV: Today's UH game delayed until 7 p.m.; tomorrow and Sunday live, KFVE, Channel 5.
Radio: All UH games live, KKEA, 1420-AM.
Tickets: All seats general admission. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 for children (age 4-17) and UH students.
Parking: $3
"Now, on the court, I see freshmen making the same mistakes I made as a freshman, but that's normal," said Gabriel, who has been an all-WAC academic selection the past two years.
Over the previous three seasons, Gabriel played in 70 games, seeing her playing time increase steadily each season, and learned the many variations of coach Vince Goo's system.
She really started to feel in tune with the program's demands and her ability to meet those requirements prior to her junior year.
"I don't think I prepared myself during the summer before my sophomore year the way I should have," Gabriel said. "Coming in to fall practice my junior year I felt more ready to play physically and mentally.
"I think it's more important to have the mental side, but when you come back physically ready, it boosts your confidence."
She knew there would be a battle for the starting job this year. There was a core of Wahine in town for the summer. Christen Roper, Natasja Allen, point guard candidates Milia Macfarlane and Trisha Nishimoto, and April Atuaia worked out together.
"We did swimming drills, box drills, a lot of agility drills and played a lot of pickup games," Gabriel said.
"I knew there was competition. I just wanted to rely on my experience and what I know about the offense and defense. I think there is confidence that comes with that."
Gabriel had a slight setback partway through fall practice when she suffered a third-degree sprain of her right ankle while working out alone in Klum Gym. She missed 2 1/2 weeks and is still not 100 percent, but in no way wants anyone to think that is an excuse.
"The real test is what you do in a game," Gabriel said. "I didn't think my performance was as good as it should have been against UCLA. I did feel I did OK on defense. It all comes down to who performs, who deserves to play."
Play is what this elementary education major wants to do. There are no frills, no special music to listen to, no ritual to go through before a game. Gabriel just shows up, puts that uniform on and is ready to go.
Today, North Carolina vs. DePaul, 12:30 p.m.; Oklahoma vs. Fordham, 2:40 p.m.; Hawaii vs. Gonzaga, 4:50 p.m.; Connecticut vs. Denver, 7 p.m. Schedule
Tomorrow, Hawaii vs. Connecticut or Denver, 11 a.m.; North Carolina-DePaul loser vs. Oklahoma-Fordham loser, 1:10 p.m.; Gonzaga vs. Connecticut or Denver, 3:20 p.m.; North Carolina-DePaul winner vs. Oklahoma-Fordham winner, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Seventh place, 11 a.m.; Fifth place, 1:10 p.m.; Third place or Championship, 3:20 p.m.; UH plays 5:30 p.m. game regardless or previous game outcomes.
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Probable starters
Hawaii (2-0)
Ht. Pts. Reb. Ast. G Michelle Gabriel (Sr.) 5-6 5.5 2.5 2.0 G April Atuaia (Soph.) 5-10 10.5 2.5 2.0 F Natasja Allen (Sr.) 6-2 15.0 7.0 1.0 F Jade Abele (So.) 6-0 12.5 5.0 5.5 C Christen Roper (Sr.) 6-5 13.0 13.0 1.0
Gonzaga (1-1)
Ht. Pts. Reb. Ast. G Trina Allen (Sr.) 5-6 10.0 3.0 4.0 G Shannon Mathews (So.) 5-6 19.5 4.0 6.0 F Ashley Burke (So.) 6-1 12.0 6.0 1.0 F Raeanna Jewell (So.) 5-10 7.5 6.0 4.5 C Delphine Lecoultere (So.) 6-4 2.0 6.0 1.0
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