The University of Hawaii was picked to finish 2nd in the Big West Conference Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll, which was announced on Wednesday.
It is the highest preseason poll position for the Rainbow Warriors since they joined the Big West in the 2012-13 season. The highest previous prediction was 3rd in 2015.
Last season, the Rainbow Warriors finished 17-11 overall and in third place in the final Big West standings at 10-5. Ten players return from last season, including starters Noel Coleman, Bernardo da Silva and Kamaka Hepa. In addition, two seniors – Samuta Avea and Juan Munoz – are expected to be key contributors this season after sitting out all of last season due to injuries.