New look Warriors begin first day of Fall Camp

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 beginning of preparations for the 2025-26 season.

During the preseason period, Head Coach Eran Ganot and his squad were limited to just four hours per week of basketball activities. But 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 team now features 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 to the new and unknown, and the experimenting we’ll be doing to get to know the team.”

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

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

Ganot points to senior Evansville transfer guard Tanner Cuff as one example of the team’s increased flexibility. Cuff, a strong, versatile guard, is expected to contribute both on the perimeter and in the post.

Along with Cuff, South Dakota transfer Dre Bullock brings athleticism and spark to this new-look 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 opportunity to make the most of his time in Hawai’i.

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

Even with all of the new additions, Ganot knows this six-week camp will be critical in developing chemistry and cohesion.

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

Hawai’i will open its season with an exhibition against the Oregon Ducks on November 4 in Eugene.