The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic has made the leap.

Washington State was announced as the eighth and final team in the second year of ESPN's holiday basketball tournament hosted by Hawaii at the Stan Sheriff Center on Dec. 22, 23 and 25.

Organizers had been hopeful of landing a Pac-10 team to complete the field in 2010, and finally got one. The Cougars join an impressive field of Butler — last year's national runner-up — Baylor, Florida State, Mississippi State, San Diego, Utah and Hawaii.

“;We're thrilled to get a Pac-10 team to complete our field for the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic,”; executive director David Matlin said. “;It's tougher (to secure one) as time goes on, so I think it's a testament to our tournament and what we're trying to build here.”;

Though last year's field wasn't weak by any stretch (USC, UNLV and Sweet 16 participant Saint Mary's were the top three finishers) the overall profile of this year's tourney should jump several notches.

“;To be honest, I think we're a little ahead of schedule where we thought we'd be, field-wise,”; Matlin said. “;I think last year, we got a good buzz about our tournament from the coaches. They go to their communities (with that), and I think that all plays a part.”;

Hawaii coach Gib Arnold, who was an assistant with USC when the Trojans won the inaugural DHC, came away impressed then and said yesterday it is “;a great field and they've done a great job.”;

“;I am totally convinced that it will (in the future) be the premier preseason tournament in the country,”; he added.

Matlin said the plan remains for 10 of the 12 games in the tournament to be televised on ESPN2 or ESPNU, identical to last year. First-round pairings will be set later by ESPN.

Rainbow Classic field set

Arnold said the four-team field of next season's Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic is set. Montana State, Cal State Fullerton and Central Michigan will play UH in a round-robin format near the start of the season.