By: Kennedy Choo

Day one of the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warrior basketball team’s six-week Fall Camp tipped off this week at the Stan Sheriff Center, marking the official start of preparations for the 2025–26 season.xz

During the preseason, head coach Eran Ganot and his squad were limited to just four hours per week of basketball activities. With the NCAA’s practice window now expanded to 20 hours, the energy in the gym was palpable.

“Today’s a big celebration,” Ganot said. “We’re back up to 20 hours a week, and we’re excited about that.”

Coming off a challenging 15–16 season (7–13 in the Big West Conference), Ganot has essentially rebuilt the roster. The Warriors now feature eight new transfers and one incoming freshman, dramatically outnumbering the four returning players.

“We’re off to a good start,” Ganot said. “There’s excitement with the new and the unknown, and the experimenting we’ll be doing to get to know the team.”

Ganot emphasized that this year’s ‘Bows will look very different from last season.

“We’ll have bigs that can shoot it, and some guards that can post up,” he said. “There’ll be some inverting, some different styles.”

One example is senior guard Tanner Cuff, an Evansville transfer whose versatility allows him to contribute both on the perimeter and in the post.

Alongside Cuff, South Dakota transfer Dre Bullock brings athleticism and spark to the squad. The high-flying forward is expected to add energy—and highlights—to the hardwood.

“Dre Bullock brings a lot of excitement,” Ganot said. “The athleticism, the attacking mindset—it’s a compliment to what we have.”

Bullock, entering his final year of eligibility, is embracing the chance to make the most of his time in Hawai‘i.

“I’ve never really been this far out in my whole career,” Bullock said. “Just to get this experience for one year, I can’t really miss it.”

Even with all the new additions, Ganot knows this six-week camp will be crucial for building chemistry and cohesion.

“They’re learning a new system,” he said. “But they’re also learning about each other and building chemistry.”

The Rainbow Warriors will open their season with an exhibition against the Oregon Ducks on November 4 in Eugene.