Hawaii makes way for Lakers
The Warrior football team doesn't mind giving up its facilities
The Hawaii football team was bumped from its usual post-practice breakfast routine yesterday, as the Los Angeles Lakers -- borrowing the UH facilities for training camp -- were using the Warriors' usual dining area in the Stan Sheriff Center.
UH center Derek Fa'avi said it wouldn't lead to a captain-to-captain meeting between him and Kobe Bryant.
"Nah, we don't mind," Fa'avi said, as he got ready to hike to Les Murakami Stadium for chow. "Wherever the food's at, that's where we'll be."
Quarterback Colt Brennan didn't feel inconvenienced either.
"Not at all. Especially if they want to give us some autographs or go play a pick-up game, it's all good," said Brennan, who grew up in Southern California cheering for the Lakers during their run of championships.
Running back Nate Ilaoa is also a big fan.
"That doesn't bother me at all; they're the Lakers. They can use our facilities whenever they want, as long as they win the championship."
The Lakers and the UH football team won't be crowding each other for the next few days, as the Warriors (1-3, 1-1 Western Athletic Conference) took off last night and were scheduled to arrive in Houston today, completing the first leg of their road trip to Ruston, La., where they play Louisiana Tech (1-2, 1-0).
UH will practice in Houston tonight and tomorrow, then fly to Monroe, La., which is a few miles east of Ruston.
Porlas adds depth: The way starting strong safety Lono Manners is playing, backup Dane Porlas isn't counting on getting a whole lot of playing time. But Porlas' quick ascent up the depth chart is still remarkable.
Nothing's wrong with Manners, who was in on eight tackles, forced two fumbles and intercepted a pass against Boise State last Saturday. The coaches want Porlas to be ready just in case.
Porlas, one of the most anonymous of walk-on freshmen last year, put on 8 pounds of solid muscle in the offseason and gained speed and quickness. In addition to climbing out of the scout ranks to the second team, he has also become a valued member of the punt return and kickoff teams.
The graduate of University High in San Diego got connected with the Warriors through his father, Thad, who was a coach of the San Diego Riptide arena league team when UH linebackers coach Cal Lee was also head coach of the Hawaiian Islanders arena squad.
"I got a chance to talk to Coach Lee when they came to play (in 2002)," Porlas said. "I had a chance to walk-on at Arizona State, too, but I decided to come here."
Porlas has played in three games and been credited with three tackles.
Jones on Wie: UH coach June Jones said he's happy for Michelle Wie, the Punahou junior who announced yesterday she is becoming a professional golfer at age 15.
"I think they've taken good care of her in every which way and handled her the right way and it's the right decision for her and her family," said Jones, an avid golfer himself. "It's perfect timing for her."
Jones said he has played with Wie a couple of times.
"She always plays well, hits the ball unbelievably well. She's the real deal," he said.
Who won?
"Of course she beat me," said Jones, who used to be a scratch golfer.
