For those who grew up in these islands and/or have indigenous blood, something spiritual happens when slipping on the college basketball jersey with “HAWAI’I” emblazoned across the chest.
“It’s just an honor and a privilege to be able to put on that jersey every night,” said UH senior Samuta Avea, who grew up in Hau’ula and helped Kahuku High School win a state championship in 2017. “It’s hard to explain to people, what it means … especially being local and stuff. But those (players from Hawai’i) are the guys I grew up watching and looked up to.