Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic 2023 Program

Aloha and Happy Holidays from Hawaii’s hometown carrier

It’s our pleasure to welcome you to the 2023 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

If you’ve come to Hawai‘i as a guest, we hope you enjoy your stay.

Now in our 94th year of continuous service, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s largest and longestserving airline. We offer approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and non-stop flights between Hawai‘i and 15 Continental U.S. gateway cities – more than any other airline – as well as service connecting Honolulu and American Samoa, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Tahiti.

welcome you aboard. We are committed to offering complimentary meals for all guests on transpacific routes and the convenience of no change fees on Main Cabin and Premium Cabin seats.* HawaiianMiles members also enjoy flexibility with miles that never expire.

When you’re with us, you’ll hear the stories of Hawai‘i through our in-flight entertainment and Hana Hou! magazine. And if you want a personal tip about the best restaurants or surf spots, all you have to do is ask.

We’d love to connect with you and share our favorite places. We hope to welcome you aboard soon.

Hawai‘i is a unique destination with a long tradition of hospitality, and Aloha takes many forms on our flights. You’ll experience it in the genuine smiles that *For tickets purchased or HawaiianMiles redeemed for Main Cabin fares and higher.

ALOHA! On behalf of ESPN, welcome to the 14th annual Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic!

We are excited to welcome our fans and visitors back to Hawai‘i for this annual tradition. The combination of quality basketball programs, the spirit of Aloha, and the natural beauty of the islands make the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic truly a one-of-a-kind sporting event.

CLINT OVERBY Vice President ESPN Events

Our staff of dedicated, experienced personnel and volunteers look forward to sharing this experience with you. It is our goal to showcase a great basketball tournament as well as an enjoyable and unique holiday event with you and your family.

WHO WILL JOIN OUR PREVIOUS CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS? 2009 - USC 2010 - Butler 2011 - Kansas State 2012 - Arizona 2013 - Iowa State 2014 - George Washington 2015 - Oklahoma 2016 - San Diego State 2017 - USC 2018 - TCU 2019 - Houston 2020 - Event not held due to COVID-19 2021 - Vanderbilt 2022 - Hawai‘i Thank you for supporting the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

Enjoy the games!

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC 2023 • 3

H A‘A H EO M Ā KOU I K E K Ā KO‘O I NĀ NA N I O KO K Ā KOU ‘Ā I NA .

W E ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIA MOND HEAD CLASSIC. The most authentic and meaningful practices of aloha and mālama happen in our communities.

Events like this help us connect with what makes our Hawai‘i so special.

A MESSAGE FROM

It is our pleasure to welcome all the players, coaches and their families, sponsors, community members, and basketball fans to the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is proud to continue our support for this esteemed tournament and our hometown University of Hawai‘i team under our Community pillar and 2023 Signature Events program, which supports major events and festivals that provide a unique and enriching experience for residents and visitors alike. Over the past decade, HTA has provided nearly $40 million to more than 1,700 programs and events that uplift our community, preserve our natural resources, and perpetuate Hawaiian culture.

The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic aligns with our work to mālama Hawai‘i (care for our beloved home), and the State of Hawai‘i is grateful for the opportunity to have these eight teams here in the Hawaiian Islands for what promises to be an exciting tournament. We are proud to support our student athletes as they go head-to-head with the visiting teams right here on their home court.

We extend our mahalo to the event organizers, staff, ESPN Events, and University of Hawai‘i Athletics ‘ohana who make this tournament possible.

Mahalo and Happy Holidays,

Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i Interim President and CEO Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i & Basketball: A Slam Dunk for Language Enthusiasts In Hawai‘i, we have an invaluable cultural treasure – ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian language. Once on the brink of extinction, this beautiful language is rebounding, thanks to concerted efforts in education, technology, and community initiatives.

An intriguing and fun avenue contributing to this revival is through sports like basketball, a game beloved throughout the islands.

A Brief History of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, more than a language, is the voice of an ancient culture, embodying the Native Hawaiian worldview and ethos. Following the arrival of Westerners in the late 18th century, the language faced significant decline, largely due to the imposition of English. However, the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s sparked renewed interest in Hawaiian culture and language, leading to the establishment of Hawaiian language immersion schools and university programs.

The Crossover Between Language and Basketball Basketball, with its fast-paced and universal appeal, offers a unique platform for language learning. The idea is simple yet effective: integrating Hawaiian words into the basketball lexicon. For fans and players alike, this crossover creates an engaging way to learn ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, connecting with the Hawaiian culture while enjoying a favorite sport.

Key Hawaiian Terms for Basketball Enthusiasts Here’s a quick guide to some common basketball terms in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i.

Basketball Player

Kinipōpō hīna‘i Mea pā‘ani kinipōpō

Team Coach Referee Pass Dribble Score Defense Championship

Hui Ka‘i ‘ālapa ‘Uao ha‘uki Kīloi Pākimokimo Helu‘ai Pale

Ho‘okūkū kahului

The Impact on Language Revitalization Incorporating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i into basketball doesn’t just add a cultural touch to the game; it’s an innovative form of language immersion. Language, especially one as rich and nuanced as Hawaiian, is best learned in dynamic, real-life contexts.

What better way to do this than in the thrilling atmosphere of a basketball game?

Expanding Beyond the Court The integration of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i in basketball is just one example of how language and culture can be celebrated in everyday activities. It encourages people, especially those outside of Hawai‘i, to view Hawaiian language as a living, evolving part of modern life, not just a relic of the past.

The revitalization of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i is a testament to the resilience and beauty of Hawaiian culture. By weaving this language into the fabric of popular sports like basketball, we not only preserve a linguistic heritage but also enrich our global cultural tapestry. So, the next time you’re shooting hoops or cheering for your favorite team, remember, you’re not just playing a game – you’re part of a cultural revival.

A MESSAGE FROM

MAYOR RICK BLANGIARDI It gives me great pleasure to send my warmest aloha and welcome to the players, coaches, staff, families, and fans who are joining us for the 2023 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. I extend special greetings to all of our visiting friends and wish you an enjoyable stay here on O‘ahu.

The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic has been an annual college basketball tradition for the past 14 years, featuring an impressive lineup of Division 1 teams from major conferences across the country.

Congratulations to this year’s field: Georgia Tech, Nevada, Old Dominion, Portland, Temple, TCU, UMass, and tournament host Hawai‘i. We look forward to three days of highly competitive, spirited matchups between these excellent teams.

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines, ESPN, the University of Hawai‘i and other sponsors for presenting this much-anticipated tournament, which showcases our beautiful island home to millions of viewers worldwide and brings together basketball fans and families this holiday season.

On behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu, I extend best wishes to all of the participating teams for an exciting tournament and successful season ahead.

The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head coaches and their many supporters extend their heartfelt The American Cancer Society Clarence T.C. Ching Hope Lodge mahalo to everyone who joins them in the fight against cancer.

Hawai'i in Honolulu is one of more than 30 Hope Lodge

Together, we’re raising thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society Clarence T.C. communities nationwide that provides cancer patients and their Ching Hope Lodge in Honolulu. The Hope Lodge provides a home away from home for cancer caregivers a free home away from home so they can access the patients and their caregivers who need to travel to O‘ahu for treatment. care they need. The Hope Lodge Hawai'i community is centrally

Please join Coaches vs. Cancer in supporting Hope Lodge Hawai‘i by calling 1-800-227-2345 located near treatment facilities on O'ahu. or visiting cancer.org.

Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org to find information, resources, and ways to support our Hope Lodge Hawai'i facility.

HOFFMAN IONS COMMUNICAT

Uniting to Fight Cancer in Hawai‘i In Hawai‘i, where the sound of crashing waves meets the rhythm of basketballs bouncing, a unique tradition has emerged — one that combines the love of sports with an unwavering commitment to a noble cause. The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, the beloved holiday basketball tradition, has partnered with Coaches vs. Cancer to create an event that not only thrills fans but also makes a profound difference in the lives of those battling cancer in Hawai‘i.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A NATIONWIDE MOVEMENT WITH LOCAL IMPACT

2. Support Local Businesses: like Island Energy Services (the local people behind Texaco in Hawai‘i) and Coca-Cola Hawai‘i who have joined together to raise money for Coaches vs. Cancer They donate a portion of the purchase price for select Coke products bought at local Texaco stations. By choosing these products, you make a direct impact.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide initiative that began with a simple but powerful idea: mobilize the basketball community to fight cancer. Inspired by Norm Stewart, the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Missouri and a cancer survivor, this movement has grown to encompass coaches, players, and fans who are dedicated to making a difference. The goal is clear—to raise awareness, promote early detection, and provide support to cancer patients and their families.

MORE THAN JUST A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, hosted by the University of Hawai’i since 2009, has evolved into much more than a basketball tournament. It’s a platform for change, a stage where the spirit of competition is harnessed to combat a common enemy: cancer. Head coach Eran Ganot and his fellow coaches have joined forces, recognizing the power of their collective impact.

Each year, these coaches come together for a special fundraiser reception, creating a unique opportunity for fans to connect with their basketball heroes. At the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī, fans can chat with the coaches, take pictures, and even bid on sports memorabilia. It’s an event that celebrates the love of the game while channeling its energy towards a meaningful cause.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT, LOCAL IMPACT What sets this initiative apart is that all the funds raised stay right here in Hawai‘i. The proceeds from the Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser benefit the Clarence T. C. Ching Hope Lodge, a haven for neighbor island cancer patients and their caregivers during their treatment in Honolulu. This means your contribution directly supports the local community, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer in our beautiful islands.

Cancer is a battle that touches us all, directly or indirectly. It knows no boundaries and doesn’t discriminate. By supporting Coaches vs. Cancer and the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, you’re not just attending a basketball event; you’re becoming part of a movement that’s working tirelessly to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors.

Getting involved is easy, and there are multiple ways to make a difference: 1. Plan to Attend Next Year’s Meet & Greet: Join the annual fundraiser reception during the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. Connect with coaches, share your passion for basketball, and contribute to the cause.

3. Direct Donation: If you prefer a straightforward way to contribute, you can make a direct donation to the local Coaches vs.

Cancer efforts by visiting HawaiiBowlFoundation.org/make-a-donation Your participation, no matter how big or small, helps raise awareness, fund critical cancer research, and support patients in their journey towards recovery. Together, we can create a future where cancer no longer holds power over our loved ones

Rebound Take a fast break – or an extended time out – at a breathtaking OUTRIGGER resort or hotel here in Hawai‘i or throughout the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean. Game on.

Proud Sponsor of the 2023 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic

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A MESSAGE FROM

GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN, MD On behalf of the people of Hawai‘i, I extend a warm welcome to the organizers, sponsors, players, and attendees of the 14th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. We take great pride in hosting this prestigious Division I College basketball tournament, which is nationally televised, and we are excited to once again share our aloha spirit with visiting teams and fans.

The SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center will be the battleground for eight competing teams: Georgia Tech, Nevada, Old Dominion, Portland, TCU, Temple, UMass, and our very own Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors. I encourage fans from across the nation to enjoy cheering on their favorite teams and invite visitors to immerse themselves in Hawai‘i’s unique culture and natural beauty during this holiday season.

A heartfelt mahalo nui loa to Hawaiian Airlines, ESPN, and all other local and national sponsors who have contributed to making this event truly exciting.

Best wishes to all the teams and everyone involved.

Enjoy the games!

Time to A warm aloha and a heartfelt welcome to all the players, coaches, and fans as we prepare to lei up on the hardwood and immerse ourselves in the excitement of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

Hosting some of the finest collegiate basketball teams – with players hailing from various corners of the country, and some even venturing from far-flung nations – this year’s Classic promises to be a melting pot of talent, cultures, and thrilling hoops action.

Georgia Tech: The New Era Begins in Paradise The Yellow Jackets arrive in Hawai‘i with a fresh outlook on the 2023-24 season.

Under the guidance of their new head coach, Damon Stoudamire, and featuring nine new faces on their roster, Georgia Tech is all set to make a splash. What’s intriguing is that they boast players from not just their home state of Georgia but also from five different foreign countries, truly embodying the spirit of international basketball.

Hawai‘i: The Island Warriors

Portland’s Pilots take their name from riverboat pilots (not airline pilots)! This nautical motif is a nod to the university’s location near the Willamette River. Represented by players from eight different countries, the Pilots truly sail on a global journey, bringing diverse talents to the court.

TCU: Scoring Milestones

Hosts Hawai‘i come with a squad that represents the very essence of diversity. With players hailing from eight different countries across six continents, they truly bring a global flavor to the tournament. More than half of their roster consists of international talents, showcasing the universality of the game we all love.

TCU boasts a rare feat,the only team with five players who have scored over 1,000 points in their collegiate careers. Their ability to light up the scoreboard is undoubtedly a key asset that could make them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

Temple: A Legacy of Wins

Nevada: Coach Alford’s Quest for Glory Nevada’s head coach, Steve Alford, is a seasoned veteran with a track record of success.

Currently ranked 11th among all active Division I head coaches in career wins, Alford has taken five different programs to the NCAA Tournament, including Nevada.

Keep an eye on the Wolf Pack as they aim for another tournament run under his experienced leadership.

Temple enters the 2023-24 season with the sixth most wins in NCAA Division I history, an impressive 1,977 victories. This rich history places them in elite company, trailing only behind basketball powerhouses like Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, Duke, and UCLA.

UMass: Founding Member and Final Four Contender

ODU: From Braves to Monarchs Old Dominion’s journey from being known as the Braves to embracing the name Monarchs is steeped in history. Their moniker, “Old Dominion,” dates back to the colonial Virginia and is a nod to the Commonwealth’s rich past.

The Monarchs’ royal lion’s head emblem represents strong future, and their unique history adds a layer of intrigue to their basketball program.

Portland: Pilots with a Nautical Flair

a

UMass holds a special place in the Atlantic 10, being one of the three founding members still active in the conference. What sets them apart is their remarkable achievement of reaching the NCAA Final Four as a member of the A10. With a strong basketball tradition and a prominent role in the conference, UMass is a team with a storied past and a bright future.

The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic promises to be a thrilling showcase of college basketball’s diversity and talent. From newcomers to seasoned veterans, from local heroes to global sensations, these teams are ready to compete in the spirit of aloha. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for some high-flying hoops action in our island paradise. Mahalo and let the games begin.

KEEP doing what you LOVE.

JoVon McClanahan

What drives you? What’s your passion?

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HawaiiPacificHealth.org/HealthierLife HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HEALTH IS THE OFFICIAL HEALTH CARE PARTNER OF THE HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC.

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GAME 1 Thu, 12/21 10am HST

GAME 5 Fri, 12/22 Noon HST

GAME 6 Fri, 12/22 2:30pm HST

GAME 2 Thu, 12/21 Noon HST

CHAMPIONSHIP Sun, 12/24 4pm HST

GAME 10 Sun, 12/24 8:30am or 10:30am HST

GAME 3 Thu, 12/21 4pm HST

GAME 7 Fri, 12/22 6pm HST

GAME 8 Fri, 12/22 8pm HST

GAME 4 Thu, 12/21 6pm HST

GAME 9 Sun, 12/24 8:30am or 10:30am HST*

GAME 11 Sun, 12/24 1:30pm HST

Home team is listed on the bottom of each match-up. (*) Game will tip 20 mins. after the conclusion of the preceding game.

Amaree Abram

Tyzhaun Claude

Dallan “Deebo” Coleman

Ebenezer Dowuona

Tafara Gapare

Naithan George

Miles Kelly

Carter Murphy

Baye Ndongo

Emmer Nichols

Kowacie Reeves, Jr.

Ibrahima Sacko

Marcos San Miguel 14 • HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC 2023

Ibrahim Souare

Kyle Sturdivant

Lance Terry

GEORGIA TECH

COACHING STAFF

Nickname: Yellow Jackets Colors: Old Gold and White

NCAA Tournament Appearances

NIT Tournament Appearances

17

9

HEAD COACH Damon Stoudamire, 1st Season ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH Karl Hobbs ASSISTANT COACH Terry Parker, Jr

2022-2023 Record

15-18

ASSISTANT COACH Pershin Williams ASSISTANT COACH Nate Babcock ASSISTANT COACH Bonzi Wells

2023-2024 Roster NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

0

Lance Terry

G

6-3

198

Sr.*

College Park, GA / The Heritage School / Gardner-Webb

1

Kyle Sturdivant

G

6-3

195

Sr.*

Norcross, GA / Norcross HS / Southern California

2

Naithan George

G

6-3

180

Fr.

Toronto, Ontario / Canyon International Academy

3

Dallan “Deebo” Coleman

G

6-6

210

Jr.

Memphis, TN / West Nassau HS

4

Carter Murphy

G

6-4

205

Sr.#

Phoenix, AZ / Arcadia HS / Air Force Academy

5

Tafara Gapare

F

6-9

206

So.

Wellington, NZ / South Kent School / Massachusetts

10

Ebenezer Dowuona

C

6-11

230

Sr.

Accra, Ghana / The Heritage School / NC State

11

Baye Ndongo

F

6-9

214

Fr.

Mboro, Senegal / Putnam Science Academy

12

Tyzhaun Claude

F

6-7

226

Sr.#

Goldsboro, NC / Moravian Prep / Morehead State / Western Carolina

13

Miles Kelly

G

6-6

180

Jr.

Stone Mountain, GA / Parkview HS / Hargrave Military Academy

14

Kowacie Reeves, Jr.

G

6-7

202

Jr.

Macon, GA / Westside HS / Florida

23

Ibrahima Sacko

G/F

6-6

225

Fr.

Conakry, Guinea / J. Addison School

24

Amaree Abram

G

6-4

195

So.

Port Arthur, TX / Southern California Academy / Mississippi

30

Ibrahim Souare

F

6-9

214

Fr.

Conakry, Guinea / Canyon International Academy

33

Marcos San Miguel

G

6-4

190

Fr.

Atlanta, GA / Campbell HS

35

Emmer Nichols

F

6-6

215

r-Fr.

Woodside, CA / Sacred Heart Preparatory School

PLAYER TO WATCH: MILES KELLY Miles Kelly is one of Georgia Tech’s standout players. He’s not only an accurate shooter from long range but has also developed into a consistently productive scorer for the Yellow Jackets. Kelly led the team in scoring, averaging 14.4 points per game overall and 14.8 points per game in conference games. His impressive performance included averaging 19.8 points and 3.1 rebounds over Tech’s last eight games, where he displayed remarkable shooting percentages. Kelly’s contributions were pivotal in securing road wins for Tech at Syracuse and Boston College, earning him ACC Player of the Week honors. He also set records for free throw percentage and displayed his ability to hit three-pointers consistently. His journey from a bench player to a star makes him a player to keep a close eye on in the upcoming season.

Tom Beattie

Noel Coleman

Matthue Cotton

Akira Jacobs

JoVon McClanahan

Justin McKoy

Juan Munoz

Ryan Rapp

Logan Robeson

Harry Rouhliadeff

Mor Seck

Matija Svetozarevic

18 • HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC 2023

Kody Williams

Bernardo da Silva

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I 2023-2024 Roster

Nickname: Rainbow Warriors Colors: Green and Black

NO. NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR. HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

0

Kody Williams

G

6-0

185

So.

Minnetonka, MN / South Kent HS

1

Justin McKoy

F

6-8

220

Gr.

Cary, NC / North Carolina

2

Tom Beattie

G

6-4

190

Fr.

Auckland, NZ / Rosmini College

3

JoVon McClanahan

G

5-10

175

Sr.

Vallejo, CA / Sheridan College

4

Noel Coleman

G

6-2

195

Sr.

Leopoldsburg, Belgium / San Diego

5

Bernardo da Silva

F

6-9

215

Sr.

Rio das Ostras, Brazi l/ Wasatch Academy

10

Logan Robeson

G

6-3

190

Fr.

Moraga, CA / Campolindo HS

11

Matthue Cotton

G

6-5

200

Gr.

Voorhees, NJ / Yale

COACHING STAFF

13

Matija Svetozarevic

F

6-8

215

Jr.

Nis, Servia / Portland

14

Harry Rouhliadeff

F

6-9

220

So.

Brisbane, Australia / Villanova College

HEAD COACH Eran Ganot, 9th Season

22

Ryan Rapp

G

6-5

185

Jr.

Melbourne, Australia / Washington State

23

Mor Seck

C

7-1

225

So.

Ngayene Daour, Senegal / Prolific Prep

34

Akira Jacobs

F

6-9

205

Fr.

Yokohama, Japan / NBA Global Academy

55

Juan Munoz

G

6-0

175

Gr.

Morrisville, NC / Longwood

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH John Montgomery ASSISTANT COACH Brad Davidson ASSISTANT COACH Rob Jones ASSISTANT COACH Cody Kelley

NCAA Tournament Appearances

5

NIT Tournament Appearances

8

2022-2023 Record

22-11 PLAYER TO WATCH

JOVON MCCLANAHAN Keep an eye on senior guard JoVon McClanahan. As a preseason all-Big West selection and team tri-captain, McClanahan brings leadership and skill to the court. He was recognized with a spot on the all-Big West second team during his junior season and consistently led the team in scoring during conference games, averaging 13.5 points per game. His standout performance included a career-high 27 points in a victory over UC Irvine. McClanahan further solidified his reputation as a clutch player by being named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2022 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, where he hit a game-winning buzzer-beater in the title game. Additionally, his playmaking abilities are evident as he has led the team in assists for the past two seasons, averaging 3.5 assists per game in the previous year.

Kenan Blackshear

18 • HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC 2023

Jeriah Coleman

Tré Coleman

Nick Davidson

John Flannigan

Daniel Foster

Jazz Gardner

Isaac Hymes

K.J. Hymes

Jarod Lucas

Hunter McIntosh

Tylan Pope

Tyler Powell

Amire Robinson

Tyler Rolison

Snookey Wigington

NEVADA

NCAA Tournament Appearances

Nickname: Wolf Pack Colors: Navy Blue & Silver

NIT Tournament Appearances

10

5

2022-2023 Record

22-11 PLAYER TO WATCH

KENAN BLACKSHEAR A 2022-23 NABC District 17 First-Team honoree, 2022-23 Second TeamAll-Mountain West honoree, as well as a 2022-23 All-Mountain West Defensive Team honoree; Kenan Blackshear has gotten off to a sensational start to begin the 2023-24 season for Nevada. Through the first eight games for the Pack, Blackshear averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. The fifth-year senior point guard scored a career-high 31 points in Nevada’s win on the road over Washington and was named the Mountain West Player of the Week for the first time in his career following the sensational effort. Blackshear has scored in double figures in 34 of past 41 games for Nevada, dating back to the beginning of the 2022-23 season.

COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH Steve Alford, 5th Season ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH Craig Neal ASSISTANT COACH Kory Barnett ASSISTANT COACH Bil Duany

2023-2024 Roster NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

0

Hunter McIntosh

G

6-3

185

Grad. Snellville, GA / Elon / Greater Atlanta Christian School

1

Tyler Powell

G/F

6-5

220

Jr.

2

Jarod Lucas

G

6-4

195

Grad. Hacienda Heights, CA / Oregon State / Los Altos HS

3

Tyler Rolison

G

6-0

173

Fr.

Los Angeles, CA / St. Bernard HS

4

Tré Coleman

F

6-7

185

Sr.

Jeffersonville, IN / Jeffersonville HS

5

Amire Robinson

G

6-4

195

Fr.

Akron, OH / John R. Buchtel Community Learning Center

10

Snookey Wigington

G

5-8

140

So.

Los Angeles, CA / Ribet Academy

11

Nick Davidson

F

6-9

215

R-So. Mission Viejo, CA / Mater Dei HS

12

Jeriah Coleman

F

7-1

240

Jr.

13

Kenan Blackshear

G

6-6

215

Grad. Orlando, FL / FAU / Jones HS

20

Daniel Foster

G

6-6

215

Sr.

Melbourne, Australia / Golden State Prep

23

Jazz Gardner

C

7-0

225

Fr.

Pasadena, CA / West Ranch HS

24

Isaac Hymes

G/F

6-8

188

Fr.

Phoenix, AZ / Phoenix Prep

33

Tylan Pope

F

6-6

240

R-Jr.

Franklinton, LA / Tulane / Franklinton HS

34

John Flannigan

F

6-8

210

So.

Concord, CA / De La Salle HS

42

K.J. Hymes

F

6-10

210

R-Sr.

Phoenix, AZ / Hillcrest Prep

Los Angeles, CA / Seton Hall / Ribet Academy

Anchorage, AK / Clarendon CC / St. Francis / Great Bridge Christian

Vasean Allette

Yamari Allette

Bryce Baker

Imo Essien

Sam Hood

Chaunce Jenkins

Jaylen Jenkins

Cooper Jones

Dani Pounds

Leeroy Odiahi

Jason Wade

Tyrone Williams

20 • HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC 2023

RJ Blakney

Devin Ceaser

OLD DOMINION Nickname: Monarchs Colors: Slate Blue, Silver & Light Blue NCAA Tournament Appearances

NIT Tournament Appearances

12

11

COACHING STAFF

2022-2023 Record

ASSISTANT COACH Chris Kovensky

HEAD COACH Jeff Jones, 11th Season

19-12

ASSISTANT COACH Jamal Robinson ASSISTANT COACH Jordan Brooks

2023-2024 Roster NO. NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR. HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

0

Vasean Allette

G

6-3

175

Fr.

Toronto, Canada / United Scholastic Academy

1

Jason Wade

G

6-4

245

Sr.

Richmond, VA / Trinity Episcopal HS

2

Chaunce Jenkins

G

6-4

175

Jr.

Newport News, VA / Wichita State

3

Imo Essien

G

5-11

180

Jr.

Wylie, TX / Bishop Lynch HS

4

Yamari Allette

G

6-3

190

Fr.

Toronto, Canada / United Scholastic Academy

10

Tyrone Williams

G

6-5

195

Sr.

Philadelphia, PA /Oregon

11

Dani Pounds

F

6-7

220

Fr.

Atlanta, GA / Spire Institute

13

Devin Ceaser

G

6-0

170

So.

Waldorf, MD / Buffalo

15

RJ Blakney

G

6-6

205

Jr

Baltimore, MD / Dayton

21

Leeroy Odiahi

C

6-11

215

Jr.

Tralee, Ireland / Indian Hills CC

30

Cooper Jones

G

6-1

165

So.

Williamsburg, VA / Walsingham Academy

34

Sam Hood

F

6-9

250

Jr.

Raleigh, NC /Brunswick CC

35

Jaylen Jenkins

G

5-9

146

Fr.

Hampton, VA / Hampton HS

55

Bryce Baker

G

6-5

190

So.

Mooresville, NC / Donda Academy

PLAYER TO WATCH

CHAUNCE JENKINS

ODU’s Chaunce Jenkins is off to a solid start in the 2023-24 season. As a Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference First Team selection, he’s averaging 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game through nine games. Jenkins showcased his skills with a 21-point performance against #14 Arkansas, where he also grabbed a season-high seven rebounds. His scoring consistency was evident in the previous season, where he was named Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference. Jenkins scored in double figures in 23 games, including a notable 25-point game against Virginia Tech. His athleticism and ability to drive to the rim make him a dynamic player to watch. With a track record of electrifying performances, Jenkins is poised to make a significant impact for ODU.

Island Hospitality: Classic Heroes

by Reece Nagaoka

When teams arrive to play in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic every year, it’s often the first time that the players or other members of their traveling party have been to Hawai‘i. To help them navigate the island of O‘ahu, each team has a host to make sure that their experience goes well.

“The main responsibility is just to make sure that they’re having a good time while they’re here,” said Reid Chung, one of the tournament’s hosts. “You want to make sure that these guys have such a good time that they think about why they want to come back and their memory of their experience here — even if it’s playing in a basketball tournament — is a positive memory.”

Each host also has a different approach to how they do things, but they all start by contacting their team’s director of basketball operations and helping them facilitate what they plan to do during their one-week stay. Some teams treat their time in Hawai‘i as a business trip and focus solely on the tournament, while other teams also try to plan outside activities while they’re here.

“The way it was explained to me in year one (as a host) back in 1995 is that you’re basically a liaison between the school that you’re hosting and the people running the tournament,” said Gary Dickman, another host.

“You take care of any and every need: answering questions, directions, how long it takes to get to the arena. A lot of the first day, we’re just answering questions about logistical stuff.”

The common needs that arise for teams while they’re in Hawai‘i include helping them find a place to sit down and eat dinner, or Gary Dickman

even taking a team manager to a store on a late-night run to buy Gatorade. Sometimes an uncommon request will pop up — in host Kaipo Fajardo’s case, taking players to the dentist to fix broken teeth.

“Imagine your family coming to Hawai‘i for a basketball tournament, and you’re going to help them do that and anything that could entail,” Fajardo said. “I try to treat everybody like they’re my family and just share as much aloha as I can, so they can take these lifelong memories back with them.”

As much as the hosts help the team create memorable experiences in Hawai‘i, the team also helps the hosts experience things that they wouldn’t be able to do under normal circumstances. Hosts usually sit on their team’s bench during games, and they’re just as emotionally invested as the players are the moment the ball is tipped.

Dickman says he’s been warned not to yell at the referees from the bench, and he’ll also peer into team huddles during timeouts and listen to what’s being said by the coaches.

“With Rick Pitino (last year), I was right there hearing every word he said, and just hearing that kind of talk you don’t get to hear or witness any other way is unique and special,” he said. “I love hearing some of the stuff they say that you always wonder about watching on TV, and now you’re right in the heat of the battle.”

Chung was once able to sit next to a team’s radio broadcaster and listen to the raw broadcast feed during a game.

The most memorable moments for him as a host are being able to participate in outside activities away from the basketball court and get to know the team on a personal level.

“I got a chance to go snorkeling with (Ohio University) at Hanauma Bay and hang out with the players, and I learned who they were as people,” Chung said. “I showed their head coach around Waikīkī because he didn’t really Reid Chung

know where to go, but it ended up that he and I hung out, and I got to listen to his story about how he became a basketball coach.”

moved to Texas to be closer to their daughter and grandson, he plans to return to Hawai‘i for the tournament and keep being a host for as long as he can.

As to how they became hosts, the story usually starts with a connection to the University of Hawai‘i’s men’s basketball program or knowing people around either UH or the Diamond Head Classic. Fajardo, a longtime UH fan and booster, started by initially helping a friend and fellow season-ticket holder who was also a team host during the then-Rainbow Classic. Chung started when Fajardo — a friend of his — asked him if he wanted to get into hosting.

“That’s how powerful it is. I’m willing to come back just for this specific tournament so that I can be a part of it,” Fajardo said. “The Diamond Head Classic staff — they’re all just amazing people.”

Dickman, one of the hosts on ESPN Honolulu’s radio show “The Sports Animals,” became a host at the recommendation of a then-UH assistant coach. In his first year, he was the host for then-No. 1 UMass, coached by future Basketball Hall of Famer John Calipari.

The relationships with the team last beyond the one week that they’re in Honolulu. Fajardo cited the time he hosted Wyoming one year, and they invited him to their conference tournament and their NCAA tournament appearance in the First Four round later that year.

“I was actually nervous; I’m thinking, ‘I’m with the number one team in the country, sitting on their bench,’ and it was a surreal feeling,” Dickman recalled.

Chung, who works in banking and finance, once had an assistant coach on a team he hosted reach out to him to get his insight on the local housing market when he was looking to purchase a home in Hawai‘i.

“Calipari wrote me a note after the first year saying I was the perfect host — I did everything I was expected to do, and he really appreciated it. I’ve had a few other teams write letters like that as well. It’s been a great experience, so once I started, I never wanted to stop.”

Like Dickman, Fajardo wants to keep being a host as long as he can. While he and his wife retired this past June and

Kaipo Fajardo, 3rd from left, with his charges – 2015 champions Oklahoma

“Hosting has been such a gift. I’ve met so many people and made so many relationships, it’s just been such a privilege that I want to come back and do it.”

Former players and coaches that Dickman has hosted still make guest appearances on The Sports Animals, and he’s taken up teams’ invitations to attend their games on the continent.

“There’s been so many memorable experiences,” Dickman said. “I feel really lucky to be able to do it. It’s just been great all through these 20-plus years.”

Chris Austin

Vincent Delano

Vukasin Masic

Bol Dengdit

Kelson Gebbers

Juan Sebastian (Juanse) Gorosito

Jude Harris

Tyler Harris

Cyprian Hyde

Noah Jordan

Alimamy Koroma

Coleman Lemke

Thomas Oosterbroek

Tyler Robertson

Drew Stack

Vasilije Vucinic

Yuto YamanouchiWilliams

Andrew Younan

UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND Nickname: Pilots Colors: Purple and White

NCAA Tournament Appearances

CIT Tournament Appearances

2

5

2022-2023 Record

14-19

COACHING STAFF

HEAD COACH Shantay Legans, 3rd Season ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH Bobby Suarez ASSISTANT COACH T.J. Lipold

2023-2024 Roster

ASSISTANT COACH Arturo Ormond

NO. NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

0

Vukasin Masic*

G

6-5

210

Sr.

Belgrade, Serbia / Hoosac School / Hofstra / Maine

1

Thomas Oosterbroek

F

6-8

220

Jr.

Amsterdam, Netherlands / Brentwood School / Miami

2

Tyler Robertson

G/F

6-6

235

Sr.

Melbourne, Australia / Box Hill Senior Secondary / EWU

3

Yuto Yamanouchi-Williams

F

6-10

230

So.

Aizuwakamatsu, Japan / Ribet Acad. / Lamar

4

Juan Sebastian (Juanse) Gorosito

G

6-0

185

So

Ceres Santa Fe, Argentina / Denver Prep

5

Chris Austin*

G

6-4

210

Gr.

Pasadena, CA / Maranatha HS / Fordham

10

Coleman Lemke*

G

6-8

190

Jr.

Las Vegas, NV Faith Lutheran HS

11

Vincent Delano

G

6-2

175

Fr.

Phoenix, AZ / Arizona Compass Prep

12

Kelson Gebbers

G

6-7

200

Fr.

Brewster, WA / Brewster HS

13

Jude Harris

G

6-5

205

Fr.

Manhattan Beach, CA / Salesian HS

14

Alimamy Koroma

F

6-8

215

Gr.

Freetown, Sierra Leone / Prolific Prep / Cal Poly

15

Tyler Harris

G

6-8

190

Fr.

Hayward, CA /Granada HS

20

Drew Stack*

G

6-3

200

So.

Madison, NJ / Madison HS

21

Noah Jordan

F

6-8

200

Gr.

Indianapolis, IN / Indianapolis Metro / West Virginia State

22

Cyprian Hyde

F

6-11

235

Fr.

Oceanside, CA / Vista HS

23

Vasilije Vucinic

F

6-11

250

Jr.

Bijelo Polje, Montenegro

24

Bol Dengdit*

F

6-11

210

So.

Melbourne, Australia / NBA Global Academy

33

Andrew Younan*

G

6-5

195

So.

Westlake Village, CA / Viewpoint HS

PLAYER TO WATCH: TYLER ROBERTSON After helping Eastern Washington reach the 2021 NCAA Tournament, Robertson joined UP with Coach Legans. Last season, he showcased his all-around skills by leading the team in scoring with an average of 15.6 points per game, assists with 5.3 per game, and ranking second in rebounds at 5.5 per game.

Notably, Robertson was one of only two players nationally, alongside Jalen Pickett of Penn State, to maintain averages of at least 15 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. He led the WCC in assists, assists per game, and free throws made, displaying his playmaking abilities. Robertson’s exceptional talent was highlighted by two career triple-doubles, including a remarkable 31-point, 11-rebound, and 11-assist performance against LMU. He also left his mark on UP’s record books by breaking the single-game assist record and the school record for free throws made in impressive fashion.

Avery Anderson III

JaKobe Coles

Xavier Cork

Zach Gonsoulin

Tyler Lundblade

Isaiah Manning

Emanuel Miller

Essam Mostafa

Jameer Nelson Jr.

Chuck O’Bannon Jr

Micah Peavy

Jace Posey

Trey Stuart

Trevian Tennyson

Ernest Udeh Jr.

28 • HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC 2023

Cole Despie

Darius Ford

TCU

Nickname: Horned Frogs Colors: Purple and White

2023-2024 Roster NO. NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

0

Micah Peavy

G

6-8

215

Sr.

Cibolo, TX / Duncanville HS / Texas Tech

1

Isaiah Manning

F

6-8

220

Fr.

Mansfield, TX / Mansfield Legacy HS

2

Emanuel Miller

F

6-7

215

Sr.

Scarborough, Ontario / Prolific Prep / Texas A&M

3

Avery Anderson III

G

6-2

170

Sr.

Justin, TX /Northwest HS / Oklahoma State

4

Jameer Nelson Jr.

G

6-2

205

Sr.

Haverford, PA / The Haverford School / Delaware

5

Chuck O’Bannon Jr.

F

6-7

220

R-Sr. Las Vegas, NV / Bishop Gorman / USC

8

Ernest Udeh Jr.

C

6-11

260

So.

Orlando, FL / Dr. Phillips HS / Kansas

11

Trevian Tennyson

G

6-3

180

Sr.

Arlington, TX /Mansfield Legacy HS / Texas A&M CC

12

Xavier Cork

F

6-9

235

Sr.

Sulphur Springs, TX / Sulphur Springs HS / Western Carolina

21

JaKobe Coles

F

6-8

215

Jr.

Denton, TX / Guyer HS / Butler

ASSISTANT COACH Duane Broussard

22

Tyler Lundblade

G

6-7

212

So.

Dallas, TX / Greensboro Day School / SMU

30

Darius Ford

G

5-11

155

Jr.

Fort Worth, TX / Paul Laurence Dunbar YMLA

ASSISTANT COACH Jamie McNeilly

33

Trey Stuart

G

6-2

175

So.

Weatherford, TX / Brock HS

ASSISTANT COACH Corey Santee

35

Cole Despie

G

6-4

186

Jr.

San Jose, CA / Bellarmine College Prep

41

Jace Posey

G

6-5

206

Fr.

Houston, TX / Strake Jesuit College Prep

44

Essam Mostafa

F

6-9

250

Sr.

Cairo, Egypt / Long Island Lutheran HS / Coastal Carolina

55

Zach Gonsoulin

G

6-0

155

So.

Houston, TX / IMG Academy

COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH Jamie Dixon, 8th Season ASSISTANT HEAD COACH Tony Benford

ASSISTANT COACH Michael Rice

PLAYER TO WATCH

EMANUEL MILLER Emanuel Miller is TCU’s fourth-ever Preseason All-Big 12 Conference selection. The senior averaged 12.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season, both numbers are the second-most returning in the Big 12. Miller was a team-best 39.2 percent from the 3-point line with 20 made threes after making 14 threes the previous three seasons. He recorded a double-double three times last season, including 14 points and a season-high 12 rebounds last season at Texas Tech. Miller is a two-time All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention pick, who began his career at Texas A&M.

NCAA Tournament Appearances

10

NIT Tournament Appearances

8

2022-2023 Record

22-13

Quante Berry

Shane Dezonie

30 • HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC 2023

AK Fihla

Connor Gal

Sam Hofman

Hysier Miller

Emmanuel Okpomo

Matteo Picarelli

Jordan Riley

Deuce Roberts

Steve Settle III

Zion Stanford

Taj Thweatt

Jahlil White

TEMPLE

2023-2024 Roster NO. NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

0

Quante Berry

G

6-4

175

R-Fr.

Cleveland, TN / Winston-Salem Christian / Providence

1

Zion Stanford

G

6-5

195

Fr.

Philadelphia, PA / West Catholic

2

Jahlil White

G

6-7

210

R-Jr.

Whitesboro, NJ / Wildwood Catholic

3

Hysier Miller

G

6-1

190

Jr.

Philadelphia, PA / Neumann Goretti

4

Jordan Riley

G

6-4

200

Jr.

Brentwood, NY / Brentwood / Georgetown

10

Taj Thweatt

F

6-7

225

R-Jr.

Wildwood, NJ / Wildwood Catholic / West Virginia

13

Connor Gal

G

6-4

185

So.

Malvern, PA / Great Valley

14

Steve Settle III

F

6-10

180

R-Jr.

Glenarden, MD / DeMatha Catholic / Howard

21

Emmanuel Okpomo

C

6-10

225

Jr.

Delta State, Nigeria / Oak Hill (Va.) Academy / Wake Forest

22

Deuce Roberts

G

6-6

200

R-Fr.

Kansas City, MO / St. Michael the Archangel

25

AK Fihla

G

6-2

170

So.

Johannesburg, South Africa / St. David’s

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH Michael Huger

33

Sam Hofman

F

6-5

260

Sr.

Brussels, Belgium / Stedelijk Lyceum Topsport / Houston Christian

ASSISTANT COACH Chris Clark

34

Matteo Picarelli

G

6-2

185

Sr.

Milan, Italy / Inter-Community School of Zurich / UMBC

ASSISTANT COACH Bobby Jordan

55

Shane Dezonie

G

6-4

210

Jr.

Pocono Mountains, PA / Brewster Academy / Vanderbilt

Nickname: Owls Colors: Cherry and White

COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH Adam Fisher, 1st Season

NCAA Tournament Appearances

33

NIT Tournament Appearances

19

2022-2023 Record

16-16 Player to Watch

HYSIER MILLER

In the 2022-23 season, juinor guard Hysier Miller displayed his playmaking prowess by ranking seventh in the AAC in assists with an average of 3.8 assists per game. He was a consistent presence on the court, starting all 32 games for the Owls and leading the team in minutes played. Miller also excelled in ball control, boasting an impressive assist-turnover ratio of 1.76, ranking eighth in the AAC. Notably, he contributed significantly to the team’s offense, ranking fourth in three-pointers made (40) and fifth in scoring with an average of 8.6 points per game. On the defensive end, Miller’s tenacity showed as he led the team in steals with 39. He had a standout performance with a double-double, recording 12 points and a career-high 10 assists in a memorable win over Rutgers.

Rollie Castineyra

Josh Cohen

Jackson Cronin

Matt Cross

Jaylen Curry

Robert Davis Jr.

Rahsool Diggins

Tarique Foster

Daniel Hankins-Sanford

Mathok Majok

Ryan Marcus

Jayden Ndjigue

Keon Thompson

Marqui Worthy

UMASS

Nickname: Minutemen Colors: Maroon and White NCAA Tournament Appearances

NIT Tournament Appearances

9

13

2022-2023 Record

15-16 PLAYER TO WATCH

MATT CROSS

Senior Matt Cross returns to Amherst after a junior season which saw the Beverly, Massachusetts native lead the team with 6.3 rebounds, to go along with 12.2 points per game across 23 starts for the Minutemen. Cross became the first Minuteman since 2020 to record consecutive double-doubles and secured the Hall of Fame Invitational MVP after finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks in a win over Hofstra.

2023-2024 Roster NO. NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

1

Daniel Hankins-Sanford

F

6' 8''

233

So.

Charlotte, NC / Julius L. Chambers / South Carolina

2

Jaylen Curry

G

6' 0''

160

Fr.

Charlotte, NC / Calvary Christian Academy

3

Rahsool Diggins

G

6' 2''

185

Jr.

Philadelphia, PA / Archbishop Wood / UConn

4

Robert Davis Jr.

G

6' 6''

175

Fr.

Detroit, MI / Southern California Academy

5

Keon Thompson

G

6' 0''

210

So.

Merrillville, IN / Hargrave Military Academy

10

Marqui Worthy

G

6' 3''

185

Fr.

Anaheim, CA / Veritas Academy

11

Jayden Ndjigue

G

6' 4''

190

Fr.

Ayer, MA / The Rivers School

12

Tarique Foster

F

6' 8''

200

Fr.

Bronx, NY / Putnam Science Academy

COACHING STAFF

20

Ryan Marcus

G

6' 3''

185

Sr.

Wakefield, MA / Wakefield Memorial HS

HEAD COACH Frank Martin, 2nd Season

22

Jackson Cronin

G

6' 1''

185

R-Jr.

Great Neck, NY / Great Neck North / Nebraska

ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH Allen Edwards

23

Josh Cohen

F

6' 10''

220

Sr.

Lincroft, NJ / Christian Brothers / Saint Francis

ASSISTANT COACH Brian Steele

33

Matt Cross

F

6' 7''

230

Sr.

Beverly, MA / Brewster Academy / Louisville

34

Mathok Majok

C

7' 3''

210

Fr.

South Sudan / Bridgeport Prep

44

Rollie Castineyra

G

6' 1''

180

Fr.

Marblehead, MA / Phillips Exeter Academy

ASSISTANT COACH Brett Nelson

The original crowd pleaser

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TOURNAMENT HISTORY All-Time Champions

YEAR

CHAMPION

RUNNER-UP

SCORE

TOURNAMENT MVP

2009

USC

UNLV

67-56

Mike Gerrity, USC

2010

Butler

Washington State

84-68

Matt Howard, Butler

2011

Kansas State

Long Beach State

77-60

Rodney McGruder, Kansas State

2012

Arizona

San Diego State

68-67

Solomon Hill, Arizona

2013

Iowa State

Boise State

70-66

Deandre Kane, Iowa State

2014

George Washington

Wichita State

60-54

Kevin Larsen, George Washington

2015

Oklahoma

Harvard

83-70

Buddy Hield, Oklahoma

2016

San Diego State

San Francisco

62-48

Zylan Cheatham, San Diego State

2017

USC

New Mexico State

77-72

Bennie Boatwright, USC

2018

TCU

Indiana State

83-68

Alex Robinson, TCU

2019

Houston

Washington

75-71

Fabian White, Houston

2020

No tournament due to COVID pandemic

2021

Vanderbilt*

Stanford

-

Darius McGhee, Liberty

2022

Hawai‘i

SMU

58-57

JoVon McClanahan, Hawai‘i

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS

*Game canceled due to COVID issues; Vanderbilt awarded tournament trophy MOST POINTS SCORED

MOST REBOUNDS

GAME: 41 Darius McGhee, Liberty vs. Stanford, 2021 41 Chase Fischer, BYU vs. New Mexico, 2015 TOURNAMENT: 92 Darius McGhee, Liberty, 2021

GAME: 17 Zigmars Raimo, Hawai‘i vs. Colorado, 2018; Zena Edosomwan, Harvard vs. BYU, 2015 TOURNAMENT: 39 Zena Edosomwan, Harvard, 2015

MOST ASSISTS

MOST 3-POINT FIELD GOALS MADE

GAME: 12 Jimmy Sotos, Bucknell vs. UNLV, 2018 TOURNAMENT: 26 Alex Robinson, TCU, 2018

GAME: 9 Chase Fischer, BYU vs. New Mexico, 2015 TOURNAMENT: 15 Darius McGhee, Liberty (36 att.), 2021

MOST FREE THROWS MADE

MOST STEALS

GAME: 16 Dwain Williams, Hawai‘i (18 att.) vs. Saint Mary’s, 2009 TOURNAMENT: 29 Roberto Nelson, Oregon State (31 att.), 2013

GAME: 6 Frankie Ferrari, San Francisco vs. San Diego State, 2016; Shane Larkin, Miami vs. Arizona, 2012 TOURNAMENT: 10 Zigmars Raimo, Hawai‘i 2019; Shane Larkin, Miami, 2012

MOST BLOCKED SHOTS

TEAM RECORDS

GAME:7 David Foster, Utah vs. Butler, 2010 TOURNAMENT: 12 David Foster, Utah, 2010

MOST POINT S S C O R E D

M OST 3 - POIN T FIELD GOA LS M A D E

HIGHES T 3 - P T. F I E L D - G O A L P E R C E N TA G E

M OST FIELD GOA LS M A D E

GAME: 99 , Oh io vs . D e Pa u l , 2 0 1 4 TOURNAMENT : 2 6 2 , BYU , 2 0 1 5

GAME: (min. 1 0 a tt.) : .6 9 2 U TEP ( 9 - 1 3 ) v s . Au b u r n , 2011 TOURNAMENT : (mi n . 2 0 a tt.) : .5 1 3 Ka n s a s Sta te ( 2 0 - 39), 2011

G A M E : 16 S an F ranc is c o v s . U t ah, 2016; B Y U v s . N ew M ex ic o, 2015 TO U R N A M E N T : 36 Li bert y (84 at t . ), 2021

G A M E : 38, O hi o v s . D eP aul, 2014 TO U R N A M E N T : 91, T C U 2018

Triumph at the Buzzer: JoVon McClanahan Secures Historic Win

by Reece Nagaoka

JoVon McClanahan remembers how much he and his University of Hawai‘i teammates wanted to win last year’s Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

court against a team that was that athletic and long,” McClanahan said. “I was like, ‘I’m not going to lie, coach. I’m just about to shoot it, and I’m going to make it.”

“The tournament itself is prolific; there’s always great teams in the tournament,” the UH guard said. “Our team wanted to win it really badly because we host the tournament, and we were talking about how we haven’t won the tournament. We were locked in, and we knew we had a chance.”

Once McClanahan got the inbound pass from Samuta Avea, he was able to take five dribbles before pulling up for a 25-foot jump shot. SMU’s defender fouled McClanahan on the shot, but it didn’t matter.

It was McClanahan’s 3-pointer that led to a 58-57 win over SMU in the championship game on Christmas day, a near buzzer-beater that gave the Rainbow Warriors their first Diamond Head Classic title. For his overall performance in the tournament, McClanahan was named the Most Outstanding Player.

“It went in, and I just saw the fans going crazy,” McClanahan told reporters after the game. “We ran one of the fans over, but it was a great moment for our fans and our team.”

“I didn’t really think about the fact that’s there an MVP trophy and all-tournament selections because nobody was focused on that.

At the end of the day, you’re just trying to do whatever it takes to win and keep advancing to the championship game,” he said.

“There’s a lot of good players in there, and some people that got drafted, some pros. For them to name me the Most Outstanding Player meant a lot to me.”

The game itself was “tough field-goal-wise and getting shots off.”

UH struggled shooting the basketball in the first half, but McClanahan felt that the team’s confidence did not waver in the second half, relying on its veteran presence and experience playing in similar types of games.

“That wasn’t a surprise to us, but it was just ‘how well can we just stick together and trust the process of keep taking our punches, giving them theirs and seeing who’s going to fold first?”

McClanahan said. “That’s what college basketball is — it’s a tug-of-war match.”

McClanahan described the team’s emotions before UH’s final possession of the game as flustering with excitement. There were multiple opportunities for SMU to put the game away with free throws, but they were unable to do so. It came down to the final five seconds of the game, and UH had a chance to either win or tie the game down two points.

“I told people this last year — that I had some feeling that something amazing was going to happen,” McClanahan said. “I didn’t know it was going to be me or anybody on our team. I just felt like we had a chance.”

UH decided to take the ball down the court rather than attempt a long pass and risk it being deflected. Assistant coach Brad Davidson told McClanahan during the timeout before the play that if he got into his third dribble, there wouldn’t be enough time to make a pass and he would have to take the shot.

McClanahan himself thought he wouldn’t have enough time to pass the ball, so he called his shot to associate head coach John Montgomery in the huddle.

“We didn’t really have momentum with throwing the ball down the

“This is a guy who’s as good a competitor as I’ve been around,” UH coach Eran Ganot said about McClanahan to reporters after UH’s win over SMU last year. “He’s a bulldog, he’s very well-respected and deserves everything that comes his way.”

McClanahan said his phone blew up with messages for a whole week after the tournament. From time to time, he still receives messages about it.

“You know how big social media is — if you do something crazy, there’s no telling how long it’ll be on social media,” he said. “I think it was one of those college basketball moments that won’t really be forgotten about because it was a crazy game-winner on Christmas day.”

This year, McClanahan and UH look to defend their title against a field that features Georgia Tech, Nevada, Old Dominion, Portland, 2018 champion TCU, Temple, and UMass.

“Some of the best teams in the country are coming out, and they play hard when they come to tournaments like this because the excitement level is so high,” McClanahan said. “If we just lock in and make plays, that’s how you got to win these games. You can’t play conservative; you just got to let it all out there. That was the message last year and that’s going to be my message to this team this year because that’s how you win these big games.”

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