Hawai’i’s 2022-23 men’s basketball team will be led by two players with strong Hawaiian roots. That was made official last Wednesday when seniors Samuta Avea and Kamaka Hepa were named co-captains after a players’ vote.
Avea, now in his sixth year in the program (including the bonus COVID year), is from Hau’ula and graduated from Kahuku High School. Hepa grew up in Alaska, but his father is from Hawai’i and he has several relatives in the islands.
“Leadership is a big part of our program, you heard the old cliche, ‘You’re only as good as your senior leadership,’ ” UH coach Eran Ganot said, moments after announcing the voting results to the team on Oct.