By Lance Tominaga, ESPN Honolulu Web Editor.
The 2010s was an eventful one for the University of Hawaii men’s basketball program, highlighted by the Rainbow Warriors’ first-ever win in the NCAA Tournament and “lowlighted” by a crippling NCAA investigation and sanctions. Throughout that decade, however, one thing was clear: UH fans were able to watch some great players repping the 808.
But who are/were the best UH players from 2010 to 2019? Here’s one observer’s take on the Hawaii All-Decade Team. Utilizing the NCAA men’s basketball scholarship limit, we’re going with a 13-player roster.
STARTERS
F – STEFAN JANKOVIC
Leading scorer on Hawaii’s 2015-16 NCAA Tournament team. Only UH player to win Big West Player of the Year honors. 6-11 transfer from Missouri could shoot from the outside and, in his senior year, developed a strong inside game to add to his arsenal.
F – NOAH ALLEN
UCLA transfer played only one season at UH, but it was a good one. Led team in scoring, rebounding and steals. Named to the All-Big West First Team in 2017.
C – BILL AMIS
A holdover from the Bob Nash years, Amis provided inside scoring, solid interior defense (leading the team in blocked shots) and board play. Was named the team’s MVP for the 2010-11 season.
G – RODERICK BOBBITT
Quarterback of the 2015-16 NCAA Tournament team. An All-Big West First Team selection as a senior. Named All-Big West Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. Hawaii’s all-time leader in steals (168).
G – DREW BUGGS
Hawaii’s current floor leader is on track to break the program’s record for career assists (currently held by Troy Bowe). Last season, led the Big West in assists-per-game (5.4). Scored a career-high 25 points earlier this season in a victory over San Francisco.
RESERVES
F – JACK PURCHASE
Hawaii’s all-time career leader in three-point shots made (199).
F – ISAAC FOTU
Rugged rebounder and defender for UH until he left the program in 2014.
F – RODERICK FLEMINGS
All-around player who was twice named team MVP. Possessed NBA-level talent.
C – ZIGMARS RAIMO
Current UH co-captain (with Drew Buggs) has improved his play every season. Currently leads the team in rebounding (7.4) and steals (25).
C – MIKE THOMAS
Key contributor to Hawaii’s 2015-16 NCAA Tournament team. Named team MVP after the 2017-18 season.
G – BROCKE STEPTEAU
Went from seldom-used walk-on to starting point guard. Twice named team’s “Most Improved Player.”
G – GARRETT NEVELS
Steady player who was named team MVP following the 2014-15 season.
G – BRANDON SPEARMAN
Versatile performer and one of the team’s top defenders in his two seasons as a Rainbow Warrior. Named to the 2013 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic All-Tournament Team.