RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM Chris Botez, left, and Milos Zivanovic are not as brawny as the departed Haim Shimonovich, but they are out to prove they can hold their own under the basket for the Rainbows this season. Botez is the starter, but Zivanovic is expected to play significant minutes.

Chris Botez and Milos Zivanovic
will be the centers of attention for
the Hawaii basketball team

Chris Botez hopes the start of his Division I basketball career isn't quite as painful as his introduction to the surf on Oahu's south shore.

Center of attention This season's candidates at center: Name Ht. Wt. Class Chris Botez 7-0 220 Junior Milos Zivanovic 6-11 230 Junior Last year's production (per game) Name Pts. Rbs. Blks. Haim Shimonovich 7.0 6.7 1.2 Paul Jesinskis 2.4 1.2 0.1 Zivanovic 0.8 1.4 0.0 Top marks under coach Riley Wallace * Season Career Points: 559 1,013 Reggie Cross Cross 1988-89 1987-89 Rebounds: 323 631 Tony Maroney Shimonovich 1993-94 2000-04 Blocks: 103 173 Maroney Maroney 1993-94 1993-95 * Riley Wallace has coached the Rainbows since 1987

Horsing around in the waves with some of his teammates a couple of months ago, the Hawaii center learned to respect the power of the ocean after a punishing set left him with an aching set of ribs.

"The wave caught me at a bad angle and just tossed me," Botez recalled.

After recovering from his jarring experience in the water, Botez spent the weeks since in the practice gym preparing to absorb the blows in the post for the Rainbow Warriors.

The center -- or five -- spot on the court represents an anchor for the offense and often the last line of defense. It's a position that can take the ill-prepared for a dizzying and bruising spin.

With Haim Shimonovich completing his eligibility last season, the Rainbows sought a big man to fill the sizable void and signed Botez to join returnee Milos Zivanovic in the middle.

This year's UH big men aren't nearly as brawny as Shimonovich, who provided an imposing presence in the paint for four seasons as opponents struggled to budge the 6-foot-10 275-pounder.

But Botez (7-feet, 220) and Zivanovic (6-11, 230) are working to prove they can hold their ground in the middle just as well.

"My role is just to be a big man," Botez said. "Work hard, board, box out, score some points here and there and run the floor."

Running the floor could be what sets Botez apart from some of his peers in the post. Unlike other heavy-footed big men, the transfer from Chemeketa (Ore.) Community College prides himself in sprinting downcourt. His mobility may open the floor for fast-break points for the 'Bows.

"He runs the floor well, so that's in his job description, stretch the (opposing) big man and make him run," Hawaii coach Riley Wallace said.

Botez began his UH career with 12 points and nine rebounds in Sunday's exhibition game against Hawaii-Hilo, and his array of gifts -- good hands, a soft left-handed jumper, and a nose for the ball on the defensive end -- has Wallace saying he could develop into one of the most complete centers to play in Manoa in the coach's 18 years.

"He has a work ethic about him, good speed and he catches the ball and does something with it," Wallace said. "But he's got to continue to work to improve and get bigger and stronger to reach the level he wants to. He has the potential to be the whole package."

Zivanovic is the longest tenured player on the squad as he enters his fourth season in the program. Although he took his lumps banging against Shimonovich in practice for three years, the experience taught him there's more to holding your ground than brute strength.

"Even though sometimes the post may be stronger and heavier than you, as long as you do your footwork and use your technique and movement, you can get in front of him," Zivanovic said.

Zivanovic has worked to put more muscle on his slender frame, and with Botez claiming the starting role entering the season, his familiarity with the Rainbows' system could make him a valuable contributor off the bench.

"Milos can take some pressure off of (Botez)," Wallace said. "Milos has a lot of experience and he knows the offense and knows where to look. His job would be, 'give me 10 to 15 minutes.' If you do then you'll get that spot, then you have some depth."

Zivanovic's experience has also helped Botez pick up on the Rainbows' plays and what to expect in making the step up to the Division I level.

"It helps to have one another just battle against each other," Botez said. "It helps both of us get better."

Tomorrow: Power forwards.

UH officially adds
JC guard Lojeski

Hawaii men's basketball program closed the early signing period yesterday by officially announcing the commitment of guard Matt Lojeski of Eastern Wyoming College.

The 6-foot-5 Lojeski joins 6-8 forward Ahmet Gueye as the Rainbow Warriors' early signees for the 2005-06 season. Both will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Lojeski figures to add depth and scoring ability to the backcourt next year. He averaged close to 17 points and six rebounds per game last season and led all scorers in the NJCAA tournament with 21.5 ppg.

"You like his energy, he'll fit, and you can never have too many shooters," UH coach Riley Wallace said.

The Rainbows have three scholarships to offer for the late signing period in the spring. Wallace said the team's top priorities will be a point guard and big men.

Gipson sore: UH forward Matt Gipson sat out yesterday's practice due to an infection on his right foot. He had treatment on the foot and expects to be back in practice tomorrow. He said the injury shouldn't affect his availability for Tuesday's season opener against Mississippi Valley State.