Since its debut in December 2009, the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic has drawn a significant following from afar as a nightly, readily accessible and highly entertaining TV event. That following from afar once included an impressionable and curious young basketball player from Melbourne, Australia.
“I remember watching it when I was a kid, not knowing I would end up here, playing in the tournament,” said Hawai’i guard Ryan Rapp. “So it’s a privilege to be able to play in it, we’re trying to have the same goal of winning it like we did two years ago when JoVon (McClanahan) hit that game-winner (against Southern Methodist). It was a surreal feeling, and I want that feeling back again.”
The journey starts with Sunday’s 6:30 p.m. opener against Charlotte (6-4) in SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. The game will be televised live on national TV on ESPN2 and broadcast live statewide via ESPN Honolulu 1420AM.
The 49ers are coming off a 75-70 home victory over West Georgia, as Robert Braswell IV and Nik Graves each scored 20 points to lead the way. Charlotte shot just 37 percent (20 of 54) from the floor but converted 27 of 31 free throw attempts (87.1 percent).
“We know we have a heck of a challenge coming up,” UH coach Eran Ganot said. “It’s still us first, then them. There’s been a lot going on — finals (exams), holidays, families coming into town … all the stuff that you have to navigate and balance your focus while we continue to get better. But eight great teams, first-class event … we’re looking forward to it.”
The Warriors are coming off a 72-63 home victory over Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, in which Rapp led the way with a career-high 19 points including 5-for-5 shooting from 3-point range.
More details to come.