Small forward sensation Julian
Sensley is ready for any challenge
he’ll face with the Rainbows
Expectations have tagged along behind Julian Sensley since his days on the playground in Kailua.
Pay It ForwardThis season's candidates at small forward:
Last year's production (per game)
Top marks under coach Riley Wallace *
* Riley Wallace has coached the Rainbows since 1987
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So the anticipation surrounding Sensley as he enters his second year with the Hawaii basketball team is nothing new for the junior forward.
"From the start I was one of the biggest guys in the state, being 6-6 and 14 years old," Sensley said. "I'm used to it. I kind of look at it as a challenge. Even when I was a little kid I was kind of a go-to guy, or whatever you want to call it. So it's something I've always played with.
"If I'm not looked at that way, that's something new for me."
Big things are forecast for the Rainbow Warrior small forward again this season following a break-out sophomore year.
Sensley began his Division I career by leading the 'Bows in rebounding (7.3 per game) and finishing second in scoring (12.3 points) and assists (3.4).
The numbers and his athletic ability have led to preseason All-Western Athletic Conference honors, a mention in this week's Sports Illustrated, and, again, great expectations.
"Julian Sensley's role from a year ago to this year has to be different," UH coach Riley Wallace said. "You're upping the level because now you're expected to do more than the 12 and 7 that he gave you last year.
"His level has to step up. This is his second year here, so his job description is a little tougher."
The 6-foot-9 Sensley and 6-7 senior Vaidotas Peciukas return at a small-forward position where versatility is highly valued.
In recent years, Carl English and Michael Kuebler both played the three before gaining stardom at shooting guard.
Although Sensley's height meant playing in the post as a youngster, he patterned his game after the backcourt stars he idolized and can create matchup problems all over the court.
"I hated playing down low," Sensley said. "I grew up watching Michael Jordan and seeing him do all that stuff."
Sensley can score inside and from the perimeter, as he proved by hitting 29 3-pointers last season. Peciukas moves well without the ball in UH's motion offense, freeing himself for layups, and both are gifted passers.
"(The offense) goes through the three, so you need to get the pass there on time for shots and get that assist," Peciukas said.
Peciukas' senior season didn't get off to the start he expected. He broke a bone in his foot during the NCAA Summer League and underwent surgery to repair a slight tear in a knee ligament in the first week of practice.
He stayed in shape by swimming and returned to the court two weeks ago.
"It sets you back when you're not there for the first month of practice," Peciukas said. "(Wallace) kind of forgets about you and now you have to prove again that you can do it. I'm ready to step in to do what I have to do."
Peciukas played in 21 games last year, starting three, and averaged close to 11 minutes. He's looking to increase those figures by either spelling Sensley or stepping in when Sensley slides over to power forward.
His production could help Sensley reach his goals for the season as well.
"He's fighting for playing time," Wallace said. "So you say give me that hard work in practice and keep consistent and you're going to get your time, because I don't want Julian to play 40 minutes. Keep him fresh and see if he can't get those numbers up."
